British Heart Foundation to close four Scottish shops as part of downsizing plan

The British Heart Foundation will shut four of its charity stores in Scotland as part of dozens of closures over the next eight months.

In total, 87 of the charity’s shops across the UK will close by March 2027 as part of a review of its retail estate.

Of the 69 Scottish stores the charity operates, four have been earmarked for closure.

High Street and Loreburne Shopping Centre in Dumfries, High Street in Elgin and Jarnac Court in Dalkeith will be closed as part of the move.

According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the downsizing is to ensure their retail network remains strong and sustainable.

The charity has said it is also facing rising operating costs and changing customer habits.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of BHF, said: “Our shops mean so much to our colleagues, brilliant volunteers and communities across the UK.

“They are places where people come together to donate, shop and volunteer, helping to make a real difference to lives affected by cardiovascular disease.

“We know this will be a difficult time for our dedicated colleagues and volunteers in affected stores and emphasise our deep appreciation and gratitude for all they have done for BHF and the communities they serve.

“Like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment. Cardiovascular disease remains one of the UK’s biggest killers and our priority is funding research to save lives.

“We must take the difficult step to close some of our shops to sustain retail’s important contribution to funding BHF’s groundbreaking research.”