THE former M&Co store in Saltcoats is occupied once again after lying empty for more than a year.

The Dockhead Street premises has lain empty since the clothing retailer fell into administration in April 2023.

The new occupiers are the Debra UK charity shop, which is a long-standing feature of the town centre.

Following the closure of M&Co, the charity quickly took over the building and got to work on moving into the larger building.

This move was officially completed on Friday, May 3, when the ribbon was cut on the new look store.

The store now has a completely new look and one which is certain to impress customers when they pay a visit.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: The new Debra store.

Saltcoats and Stevenston councillor Jean McClung, who helped cut the ribbon on Friday, expressed her delight after seeing the organisation open up in the town centre.

She said: "It was an honour to be asked to officially open the new Debra shop in Dockhead Street and to meet the dedicated, friendly staff along with other members of the charity who had travelled from all over the country to attend the event.

"I was most impressed with both the exterior and interior of the completely-refurbished store. What a lovely, bright and welcoming environment!

"I was also amazed by the array of goods on offer, ranging from immaculate, superior-quality clothing through to electrical equipment, and even furniture. There is even a separate men's department upstairs!

"I believe the new store is a welcome addition to Saltcoats town centre and it is certainly a shop I will be visiting regularly!"

Debr,a, which describes itself as 'the butterfly skin charity', supports people with the painful genetic skin-blistering condition epidemolysis bullosa (EB).

There are many different types of EB, classified under four main types, from the mildest, which effects only the hands and feet, to the most severe, which can have a devastating effect on any part of the body causing lifelong disability and pain.

In severe cases EB can sadly be fatal.

EB is inherited through a faulty gene (gene mutation), which means the skin cannot bind together, so any trauma or friction can cause painful blisters, which result in open wounds and scarring.

The condition is not contagious and cannot be passed on through contact.