A Helensburgh shop has closed its doors for the final time after 15 years in the town.

Vanity Fair, in Sinclair Street, follows the closure of neighbours Amaryllis Living last week and the Boots store a couple of doors down towards the end of 2023.

Vanity Fair's owner Tricia Stirling said she took on the previous clothing boutique, Sara John, 15 years ago and it was a tough choice to walk away.

The 63-year-old, who hopes to spend more time with her children, said she was also closing her gift shop in Bearsden.

That still leaves her with two clothing stores in that community and their website.

Helensburgh Advertiser:

"It's really been very difficult and it's been a hard decision to make," she told the Advertiser.

"The girls who work at the shop are like family and our customers are our friends."

Last summer, Tricia tried to find a buyer for the shop and she said she still had hopes the space would remain a clothing store.

She said if someone took on the spot in Sinclair Street, they would be "lucky" to have the customers of the town.

"I have the most loyal customers," she said. "I can't say it was anything to do with the location.

"I think visitors would want to go to the seafront, but for locals, it was great for the Co-op car park and access.

"It's time to consolidate things a little bit. I felt something had to go. I'm working harder than I did 15 years ago. There has to be a work-life balance and I didn't have that."

Tricia added: "From the day I started, they were so friendly and welcoming. If it's good, they really appreciated you and the effort we put in getting it right for them.

"Saturday was very emotional. I cannot thank them enough."

The shop's closure sparked an outpouring of comments from customers on social media.

One, Irene Campbell, commented: "So sorry to see you go and I am really upset that I won’t have the opportunity to say goodbye to all the lovely girls who have helped me choose things over the years as I am not at home at the moment.

"I have many great items in my wardrobe which I will never part with."

Former employee Laura Kate McWalters, who now runs Laura Kate on Sinclair Street, added: "You have run a wonderful business in Helensburgh Tricia. I absolutely loved my four years at Vanity Fair and I learned so much from you."