A BUYER has been found for the high-profile Ness clothing brand and its remaining shops after the owner fell into administration last year, with the deal safeguarding 35 jobs.

Kiltane Group, an Edinburgh-based retail and property firm, has acquired the rights to the Ness brand and its last four stores from administrators BDO for an undisclosed sum.

It declared that the acquisition, which includes outlets in York, Keswick and Edinburgh’s Lawnmarket and Royal Mile, will strengthen its position in cashmere, woollens and tweeds, while broadening its reach at home and abroad.

Managing director Mark Keane said: “They are units in prime positions within fantastic tourist locations where we were looking to expand.”

Kiltane, which employs 75 staff and has a store just two doors up from Ness on The Royal Mile, has also acquired Ness’s wholesale and e-commerce divisions, as part of the deal.

Its swoop comes after Ness, founded in 1997 by Adrienne and Gordon MacAulay, called in the administrators amid “working capital difficulties”, shortly before Christmas.

At the time the group had 105 employees across its head office and 10 stores in Scotland, five in England and four concessions. James Stephen and Matthew Tait, joint administrators at BDO, initially kept the stores open to trade over Christmas, but by the end of January seven stores had been closed, with the staff who worked in those outlets made redundant.

Stores in Dundee, Glasgow’s Buchanan Galleries and the Livingston Designer Outlet ceased to trade during the week commencing January 30, which came after the closure of outlets in Aberdeen, Bath, Cambridge and Ilkley earlier that month.

The Ness store in Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre was also closed, with all outlets previously run by Ness being returned to the landlords of the properties with the exception of those taken by Kiltane.

Kiltane’s retail division trades under brands such as House of Edinburgh, Highland House and Harris Tweed Hebrides.

Mr Keane said acquiring major elements of the Ness brand and four its outlets is an “exciting development” for the privately-owned company.

And he declared that opening further shops under the Ness brand would be a “key consideration” as Kiltane looks for opportunities to expand.

Mr Keane noted: “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.”

Asked what attracted Kiltane to the Ness brand, he added: “Having watched the brand evolve over the last 20 years from its first store in the Royal Mile, we were attracted to its Scottish flair and quirky designs which remain true to its origins particularly around its core bags, purses and accessory offering.

“Ness enhances our business by bringing another quality name to product and brand mix.

Mr Stephen at BDO said: “Ness Clothing is a unique and popular fashion brand with a dedicated customer base across Scotland and England.

“We are delighted to have secured the sale of the company’s four stores, preserving 35 jobs.”

Among the Ness staff who will transfer to Kiltane is Lynne Dickson, who launched and has spent the last four years developing the online channel of her former employer.

Ms Dickson said: “We are so pleased that Kiltane has secured the purchase of major parts of the Ness brand, which has a loyal following and is loved around the world.

“The team involved in Ness are passionate about the brand and with still lots to achieve, the Kiltane deal creates an even bigger opportunity with very exciting times ahead for the company.

“We now look forward to becoming part of the Kiltane team and helping to further grow a strong business, adding new skills and expertise in e-commerce and wholesale.”