One of Ayrshire's most lauded chip shops has closed its doors forever.
The Plaice to Be in Kilmarnock has suddenly closed with its owner making the heartbreaking announcement this evening.
The takeaway has regularly been listed as one of the best in Scotland and even the UK, netting a variety of awards over the years.
And their 'heartbreaking' decision to close comes hours after it was crowned the best in Ayrshire at the Scottish Chippy Awards last night.
The venue even featured on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway recently.
Owner Jo Gowdie cited "out of control" costs as the driving force behind the decision.
Jo said on the Plaice to Be Facebook page: "Due to unforeseen circumstances I sadly have to inform all my customers that we will not be continuing as a business.
"I (Jo), the owner, have made this incredibly hard decision after much thought.
"The rising costs of everything is way out of control in this industry and excessive lease payments have made it too hard for me as a business to move forward in these uncertain and horrible times.
"After putting my heart and sole into this it’s a very hard pill to swallow. I’ve worked in the shop since the age of 14 and progressed on to own the shop age 22.
"Not knowing a thing about business but a love for the fish and chip industry.
"Since December 2018 and for the past 4.5 years I have had the best time of my life through all the highs and the lows with Covid etc I’ve came through it all… All the awards we have won and being on Saturday Night Takeaway live tv.
"I've taken the business to a place that I never even thought was possible for myself I only ever dreamed of this. "
Jo said the decision was the end of an era but hinted that she will return to the chippy industry in the future.
The post continued: "The only way is up for me now when your so down. I have to concentrate on new things I have planned and move forward with my life as much as it’s broke my heart I can keep my head held high knowing I have tried my very best, put my heart and sole into this plaice and done right by everyone that’s ever worked for me and with me.
"The hardest part as well is I’ve just found out today that we have been voted the best chippy in Ayrshire at the Scottish chippy awards last night … what an end to a great era. Thank you to my loyal customers who always supported me. I’ve had a blast.
"Ps. This is not the end of 'Jo’s chippy', i'll be back to the fish and chip industry bigger and better. Watch this space."
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