A MOTHBALLED saleroom which welcomed antique hunters over several decades opens its doors for a final time this week for a charity auction.

The former Curr and Dewar premises in Ward Road last hosted a sale in 2004, prior to its then owners moving to new premises in North Isla Street.

The building was acquired by the neighbouring Central Baptist Church but has lain empty since. The church has plans to redevelop the site and the old building could be razed within a matter of months.

However, funds are required and the church decided to approach Curr and Dewar to see if they would put on one final sale.

The idea met with enthusiasm from the Dewar family and brothers Derek and Alastair agreed to come out of retirement to help.

The auction of collectables, which have all been donated by members of the church’s congregation, will be taken by Derek’s son Steven, the fourth generation of the Dewar family to enter the business.

He said, “The sale will be in the small hall where I sold my first ever lot as an auctioneer. It will be strange going back to sell the final lot in that building which has had millions of items through its doors.

“It will be difficult for my dad as he spent 50 to 60 years of his life working there and four generations of our family spent their working lives…there.”

A viewing will be held at 4pm on Friday ahead of the sale at 6pm.