Both Angus branches of crisis-hit DIY chain Focus, Forfar and Arbroath, have missed out on a takeover bid that has seen B&Q shortlist 31 stores in the UK.
Parent company Kingfisher revealed the list of outlets that would become part of their portfolio, with Leven the only premises in Tayside and Fife to be considered.
That means staff at Glenrothes and Dunfermline will also face a wait to find out if their jobs can be saved.
Home improvement chains Wickes are also looking to acquire some of the stores, however the firm yesterday confirmed none of those will be in Scotland.
The final hope for Focus staff now seems to rest with B&M Bargains, which has been linked with taking on a limited amount of outlets although the company is yet to confirm where.
Kingfisher’s deal for the stores is worth more than £23 million however, the firm has stressed each site will be assessed on its merits and are all still seen as “potential” opportunities.
Ian Cheshire, Kingfisher’s group chief executive, said, “We hope to be able to bring B&Q’s choice, convenience and value to these communities as soon as possible.
“However, the final number of stores is dependent on clearance from the regulatory authorities and satisfactory negotiations with landlords. A swift conclusion to this process would enable B&Q to take on all the staff at these stores.”
Politicians across Angus have expressed sadness at so many jobs being lost in the region, with Forfar councillor Colin Brown voicing his sympathy for the staff.
Angus MP Mike Weir has described the closure as a “hammer blow” to the economy, while Arbroath councillor Alex King labelled the news “another disaster” for the town.
Kingfisher is Europe’s leading home improvement retail group, and the third largest in the world, with 860 stores in eight countries in Europe and Asia.
Its main retail brands are B&Q, Castorama, Brico Depot and Screwfix, and it also has partnerships with Koc Group in Turkey, and a strategic alliance with Hornbach, a German DIY retailer.