Keswick Ness store saved

Marta Bot, assistant retail manager at Kiltane (right), and Ness Clothing retail manager Evelyn Rigby

A Scottish property and retail group has acquired  parts of the Ness Clothing business out of administration, including its outlet in Keswick.

Edinburgh-based Kiltane has completed the purchase of four Ness outlets – in Keswick, York and two in Edinburgh, safeguarding more than 35 jobs, after the clothing retailer went into administration late last year.

Kiltane, which employs 75 staff at its stores in Edinburgh, has also acquired the wholesale and e-commerce divisions of Ness.

Kiltane said the undisclosed investment reinforces its position as a specialist in luxury cashmere, fine woollens and Scottish Tweed, while enhancing its geographical reach.

Kiltane managing director, Mark Keane, said: “This is an exciting development for Kiltane. The addition of Ness to our existing stores builds considerably on our business infrastructure and capabilities, both in retail outlets in prime locations and online.

“It also safeguards the jobs and skillsets of a very experienced and talented retail team while consolidating our position for future growth. We’re very confident that the deal will deliver major value to the group in the years ahead because the Ness brand offers a strong fit for us and complements the existing brands and concessions that we work with.”

Joint administrators of Ness (Clothing) Limited are James Bernard Stephen and William Matthew Humphries Tait of accountancy firm BDO.

Among other names under Kiltane’s retail division are House of Edinburgh, Highland House and Harris Tweed Hebrides.

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close