SADNESS has greeted the news that an eco-friendly refill store in Helensburgh is set to close its doors.

Rossdhu Refills on West Princes Street, run by Rhiannon May, is closing down due to "personal circumstances".

It will remain open until the end of May.

Until then, its remaining stock will be sold at a discounted price.

A post on the store’s Facebook page said: “The biggest thank you to everyone who has supported us and those who have helped along the way.

“A special thank you to my wonderful staff, volunteers, suppliers and those who physically helped make the shop look so beautiful.

“Without you, none of what we have achieved would have been possible.”

The venture began as Zero Waste Helensburgh in 2019.

Since then, it has evolved into a store which sources ethical and sustainable products as locally as possible.

Customers have also been urged to cut their plastic consumption by using refillable containers for their purchases.

The store was awarded ‘Plastic Free Champion’ status by Surfers Against Sewage in 2021 after being nominated by Plastic Free Helensburgh.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Plastic Free Helensburgh will be sad to see Rossdhu Refills close the shop at the end of May.

“They were our first supporters as we held our first event at their shop on their opening day as Zero Waste Helensburgh.

“We would like to send our thanks for everything that Rhiannon did at Rossdhu Refills to highlight the issues of plastic waste and overconsumption to people in Helensburgh and in promoting instead a lower carbon lifestyle of refilling, reusing, shopping local and if possible also sourcing organic, palm free and vegan goods.”

Commenting on the post, Fiona McLeod said: "So sorry to hear this! You have been an amazing asset to the town!"

And Lindsay Worcester added: "Oh no, so gutted to hear you're closing. It's been a breath of fresh air in our community."

However, there may yet be a future for the shop: it has been confirmed that the business is for sale and could be run as a community interest company with volunteer input, with anyone interested invited to message the store's Facebook page.

The Plastic Free Helensburgh spokesperson added: “We would love to see another group or buyer take over and maybe build on what has already been done.”