Cumnock's Pathhead Bakery has officially changed hands after more than 50 years of the owners serving the town.

George McLatchie has been in the Cumnock baking business for 56 years; 34 of those were with Stevenson's Dairy farms & bakery, and 22 years were spent as co-owner of Pathhead Bakery with brother Jim.

Pathhead was a fixture in Cumnock in the former town precinct, and then latterly on Townhead Street.

The decision for the Cumnock shop was taken as co-owner George is retiring, and downsizing the business was chosen as the best decision moving forward.

The shop in Cumnock will be taken over by Ayr's Stobbs the Baker.

Pathhead Bakery fans fear not, as the stores in New Cumnock and Sanquhar will remain in operation, as George takes a well-earned rest in retirement.

Brother Jim will keep the business going.

The family would like to thank their loyal customers for all their support over the years, especially in the past couple of years during the pandemic.

George said: "I've been in the baking trade for 56 years in Cumnock. Thirty-four years with Stevenson’s Dairy Farms & bakery. Then 22 years co-owner of Pathhead Bakery with my brother Jim McLatchie.

"Now at the age of 71, it is with great sadness that I've decided to retire.

"To enable this decision, downsizing the business was the only way forward.

"The family would like to take this opportunity to thank all their loyal customers for their support throughout the years.

"And wish the new proprietors all the very best for the future."