A spokesperson from The Original Factory Shop, one of the UK's fastest growing retail businesses, told The Buteman that an official opening date has yet to be set.

"We are in the process of acquiring the former Woolworths site at Rothesay," Colin Leggatt, the company's marketing director, said.

"The store's size and format are a perfect fit for our own business model."

The Original Factory Shop operates as a local low price department store and offers a wide range of products to suit all ages.

Their website describes them as a company which offers smaller communities "a department store that would not normally trade in small towns, offering people who are unable, or find it difficult to travel to bigger towns or out of town shopping centres, such as the elderly or young mums without a car a very effective alternative".

The retail company has recently opened a new store in Campbeltown at a location which was also previously occupied by a Woolworths store.

A press release issued by the company promises "a mix of well-known high street brands at heavily discounted prices, together with an extensive range of 'cut label' and own-brand products.

"Rothesay shoppers can expect to see household name brands such as Adidas, Ben Sherman, Morphy Richards, Silentnight, L'Oreal, Elizabeth Arden and Roc – all at knockdown prices."

The store will offer a wide range of men's, ladies' and children's fashions, as well as homewares, electricals and toiletries, including a large selection of branded goods.

See also:

Rothesay Woolies site set for rebirth

Closure date set for island's Woolworths store