Ayrshire business: Independent shops plea 'to make Largs thrive'

Ivory Mac recently took over the vacant premises which was formerly Robert Duff Solicitors.

The former Bank of Scotland building is to become a small family business based in Largs, selling hand poured home fragrance.

The owner of Ivory Mac, which was originally based in Brisbane Road, is delighted about the opportunity.

Elaine McPake said: "A huge thank you to everyone who visited our new shop for our grand opening.

"We were blown away by the amount of support that has been shown by our customers. 

"It's been a busy four weeks, pulling the shop together."

And the move has been welcomed by other local independent businesses in the town, which hope that it will bring about more positives for the high street.

Richard Craigmile believes charity shops have reached their limit - and is there a big need for new independents (Image: Newsquest)

Richard Craigmile, who owns The Candy Box and The Continental, said: "This is great news for the high street. It is something new and different - I am delighted to see a family business like Ivory Mac open and I hope that independents continue to be well supported in the town. it is just the kind of thing that the Largs needs with all the coach parties and visitors coming during the summer months. 

"I think Largs has now reached its limit for charity shops - we need to see a growth in independents - and it was good to see Treasured next to Largs Railway Station re-open recently. It is difficult enough for shops in the high street when charity shops can sell new products.

"These charity shops are killing independent traders in Largs - and if you look up the CEOs of some of these companies they are getting huge salaries, and then the charity shop managers get paid too. Nobody is against giving money to charity - we give money to charity all the time - but we don't want to see the town completely overtaken by them."

Scott Paton of AD Paton's Butchers was also happy to see a new independent come to the Main Street.

Independent boost - shops have welcomed arrival of Ivory Mac and hope it will see more new shops (Image: Scottish Craft Butchers)

He said: "It is good to see a few more independent businesses in the town. Largs is renowned for independent businesses and it brightens up the Main Street. I agree that we have now have enough charity shops and after all they don't have to pay rates that independents like ourselves have to pay.

"We just need the former M&Co and Glens to find new owners - and then there is also the former Sheiling building too. With the new M&Co food store opening later this year, hopefully that will provide business spin-offs."

"Largs has been busy and I know local shops have been doing well recently and it is good as it filters through the town. Having events in the town like the recent dog show, and Largs Live, has also helped bring more people to the town."