A POPULAR Mauchline shop owner has announced her premises are to close shortly after celebrating 20 years in the town - but says her business will keep going.

Carol Speir at Many Thanks has been a firm favourite in the centre of the town for two decades - but she told the Chronicle it's now time for the next chapter in her story.

The Many Thanks shop, at The Cross, along with the adjoining coffee shop and one-bedroom flat above the Many Thanks shop, are all up for sale.

However, Carol plans to continue the business in an online setting.

Cumnock Chronicle: Carol celebrating 20 years of Many Thanks.Carol celebrating 20 years of Many Thanks. (Image: Many Thanks)

She has been keen to point out that this is not a sad story, and says she's excited about the next step.

Carol said: "I have loved being Carol at Many Thanks for the last 20 years.

"The shop is very much part of my family and has been such a flexible environment for my husband Robert and I to bring up our three children.

"We have hosted many exhibitions for Ayrshire artists over the years and continue to stock a wonderful range of products made in Scotland.

"We also enjoyed our time running our coffee shop, where we had lots of fun especially while hosting our many classes."

Having seen her family grow up whilst in charge of the shop, Carol admits it will be difficult adjusting to life without it.

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She added: "I've seen my kids be born and grow up whilst we've had the shop.

"It's almost like it's my fourth child.

"I'll be waving it away soon, which will be odd to come to terms with at first, but I'm excited to see what comes next.

"Our art classes continue to be enjoyed and are now held at the Ayrshire Food Hub at Crossroads.

"These classes have proved to be a positive influence on everyone’s mental health, particularly in these post-pandemic times.

"It is now time for a new chapter."

The building includes the coffee shop premises, where the current tenant will provide rental income until December 2025; the gift shop, which will be vacant as soon as sold, with the potential for someone to run their own business or rent it out; and the one bedroom flat above the gift shop, which could be occupied by the new owner or another rental property.

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Carol added: "I will continue to run Many Thanks from the shop until the property is sold, and will then run the business from home.

"I would like to thank all our customers for their support over the years and to emphasise that Many Thanks is still here and that I would love for you to continue to be part of our journey in the years to come."

You can view the full listing for the shop and flat, which are being advertised for sale for £175,000, here.