THE future of Dobbies garden centre in Ayr is "not impacted" by the closure of other sites by the business.

Earlier this week, the garden centre group revealed plans to shut 17 stores across the UK before the end of the year.

Among those affected by the closures is the Dobbies store in Inverness, which will shut its doors in the coming months.

Dobbies recorded a £105.2 million pre-tax loss in the year up to March 2023, with a £7 million loss the year before.

In a statement, Dobbies said the closures would "secure its long-term future and allow access to future investment".

A spokesperson said: "The restructuring plan and other strategic initiatives are expected to return Dobbies to sustainable profitability through site rationalisations, rent reductions, and other tangible cost savings."

When questioned by the Advertiser, the chain confirmed that the company's Ayr store was not under threat.

A spokesperson for Dobbies said: "The store in Ayr will not be impacted."

The Dobbies garden centre in Ayr was opened in 2004, creating 90 new jobs for the area at the time.