A clothing chain with 16 stores across central Scotland has gone into administration.
Fife-based Sphere and Turret called in administrators BDO on Wednesday.
The fashion retailer, which has its head office in Methil, includes theCumming of Leven department store established in 1879. Other branches include those in Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Broughty Ferry, Forfar, Arbroath and Glasgow.
It is understood staff only learned the news when the shutters came down at around 11am.
Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP Tricia Marwick said the loss was bad news for Leven and the rest of the region.
She said: “Cumming’s has been an institution in Leven for as long as I can remember.“This is a devastating blow forLeven town centre and the wider Fife area.
“I’m really disappointed and upset to hear this news and will be in touch with the receiver as soon as I can.”
Leven, Kennoway and Largocouncillor Ally Hunter said: “This is another hammer blow for Leven High Street, which is already on its knees.
“The reality is people are shopping in different ways and spending their money in different places.
“Outside the essentials, traditional retailers are struggling.
“There will be a lot of people out of work and we just don’t need that right now.
“I have already asked Fife Council what we can do as a local authority to support them.”
It is not yet known how many employees are affected but the number is likely to be in three figures.
There was no answer at Sphere and Turret’s head office.