Elgin's only shopping centre set to close

Elgin's only shopping centre is set to close down later this month, it has been announced.

The St Giles Centre has operated in the Moray town for 33 years.

It has been home to major stores including Argos, Waterstones and WH Smith, but has been in dispute with Moray Council over business rates.

St Giles Shopping Centre Holdings Ltd said it had now notified all tenants of the intention to close after 20 January.

The mall has faced challenges in recent years and several units were empty after a number of large retailers left, including Monsoon, Mountain Warehouse and Superdrug.

In November the local authority said it had "exhausted all reasonable avenues of support" and that there were "significant sum of arrears".

St Giles Shopping Centre Holdings Ltd said in a statement: "The company has faced severe financial challenges in recent years, with a high level of vacant units, reducing rent roll and increasing service charge costs.

"The company is disappointed at the closure, however after taking professional advice this difficult decision was the only option available."

Moray Council said it appreciated the news would be difficult for people employed at St Giles.

"The council is aware there has been a closure notice issued to tenants of the St Giles Centre by its owners," a statement said.

"We appreciate this is sad and unsettling news for people employed there."

The council added: "We currently have one vacant property on Elgin High Street available to traders, who are welcome to find out if it's suitable for them.

"There are also a number of organisations available locally to assist with relocation or other employment opportunities should businesses need it."

Councillor Marc Macrae, chairman of the economic development and infrastructure services committee, described it as "very disappointing" news, given "efforts over considerable time to try and assist the centre through difficult times".

He added: "Thoughts are with the many staff of the centre and the retailers who have had this news sprung upon them so soon after the festive holidays."