Liquidators allow brides to collect paid-for gowns

Firm’s well-wishes to couples after stress of dress shop closure

Brides left in the lurch after a Perthshire wedding dress shop closed suddenly have been able to collect their dresses.

Apple Blossom Time in Glencarse went into liquidation on November 27, putting the nuptials of dozens of brides into doubt.

Women who had paid in full for their gowns were given time slots to collect their dresses by liquidators Begbies Traynor.

Others who had only paid deposits have been told they will not be able to claim their gowns and have been forced to try and reclaim the cash through their banks, while others have contacted dress designers to try and get their orders direct.

Among those affected was Dundee bride Kelly McIntosh, who has since managed to have her dress sent to the UK from Kansas but has had to pay the full amount despite giving a deposit to Apple Blossom Time.

She said: “The bank is going to talk to Apple Blossom Time to see if they will refund my deposit and if they won’t then the bank will – so I’m definitely getting my money back, it’s just a question of when.

“I had to borrow money to make sure that I could get my dress. I’m relieved that it was actually made, because that was my fear – that the dress hadn’t been made and I wouldn’t have time to get a new one and would have had to get a cheaper one off the peg.”

She added that after The Courier originally printed her story she had been inundated with offers of dresses from fellow brides.

Ken Pattullo and Kenny Craig of Begbies Traynor confirmed that all of the brides who have paid in full for their dresses and accessories have now collected them.

Mr Pattullo said: “We appreciate what a difficult and stressful situation this has been and sympathise with the brides concerned.

“We are pleased that we have been able to act swiftly to enable the brides to collect their dresses and would like to thank them for their co-operation as well as wishing them all the very best for their weddings.”

Local councillor and wedding photographer Angus Forbes said: “I am pleased that all the dresses which were bought and paid for have now been supplied to their owners in time for their wedding. Hopefully those that have paid a deposit will get a full refund very soon and be able to source a new dress from an alternative supplier”

I’m definitely getting my money back, it’s just a question of when. KELLY MCINTOSH

Picture: Kris Miller.