A Fife recovery firm which picked up crashed and stolen vehicles for the police has gone into liquidation.
Methil-based Ace Motoring Services closed after suffering heavy financial losses.
The family-owned company included Ace Recovery and held a contract with Police Scotland to recover vehicles, including those involved in road accidents, until last year.
It is not yet clear how many employees have been affected by its winding up.
Papers lodged show that Richard Gardiner, of Dunfermline-based Thomson Cooper, was appointed liquidator on November 14.
Neither of AMS’ directors Robert or Julie Brownlie was available for comment but a notice at the premises in Harbour View confirmed the closure.
It said: “The directors of Ace Motoring Service have decided to close the workshop/recovery business with immediate effect.
“This is due to the large financial losses endured in the recovery sector of the business.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
“The directors/owners will be opening a new workshop facility in the very near future.”
Mr and Mrs Brownlie are listed as directors of another company, Ace Auto Centre, based in Bankhead Drive, Edinburgh.
However, when The Courier contacted it a representative said the firm was not related to the Fife business and the Brownlies were unavailable.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said the force had not used Ace Recovery since April, last year.
Ace Motoring Services was established in 1993 by Julie Brownlie’s parents Melv and Carrie Henderson and also included Ace Auto Services, Ace Car Sales and Ace Car Leasing.