A Scottish family-run butchers shop that has existed for well over a century will soon close, marking the end of an era. Thomas Baillie and Son has become something of an institution in Saltcoats, a seaside town the west coast of North Ayrshire.

It opened back in 1889 on Green Street in the town centre and later moved to the nearby Dockhead Street where it remains to this day. It's thought to be the town's longest-running local businesses, with customers welcomed by four generations of the Baillie family over the years.

But in a major blow for the area, the current boss James Baillie has announced that it will be pulling down the shutters for good on Saturday, February 28.

Mr Baillie, who has fronted the business for almost half a century, said his children have dreams outside the business, and he wants to spend more time with the family.

He told The Herald: "There's a sadness involved, my father's probably looking down on me going, 'what are you doing?' but he was 65 when he retired so I'm sure he understands.

"As a butcher you're working six days a week, 11 hours a day, and I hardly see my grandchildren. So, it's time."

And while Baillie's departure Bicket's, also on Dockhead Street, will be the town's only remaining butcher.

Mr Baillie wants another butchery business will take over his family's shop, believing that while it's a tough time for the high street, Saltcoats "will prevail".

He noted that while the shop is old, it's got all the machinery needed, though it would be too big for a one-person enterprise to take on.

Mr Baillie said he hopes someone will as there's "a lot of history here".