Independent retailer Abbey Music is to shut its doors for the final time today after operating in Arbroath for more than 30 years with the internet blamed for its demise.
The business was started by Terry Wood in 1980 in Guthrie Port, moving to the West Port and then Kirk Square in 2000.
When Mr Wood retired in 2009 the business was taken on by Adeline Leonard, who started working in the shop part-time as a 17-year-old in 1980.
She said closing the town’s last music shop has been a very difficult decision.
Ms Leonard said: “Last year was the worst one ever for the shop and I’ve been thinking about closing for a while. We didn’t have a busy Christmas and I felt that struggling at that time of year meant I should consider the shop’s future.”
She added: “More and more customers have been trying out instruments here but then buying them on the internet where they can get them cheaper.
“They may have bought small items like guitar strings here but would make their bigger purchases online.
“I’ve had quite a few customers come in and say how sorry they are to see us close but it’s harder and harder for independent retailers to make a living these days. It was a difficult decision to close, but I’ve accepted it now.”
The shop has been selling its remaining stock at sale prices and very little remains.