Failed harvest ' kills haulage business after 85 years
Page 15
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
PETER DUNCAN, an Ayrbased haulage contractor which has been in business since the beginning of the century, is closing down with the loss of 24 jobs. The drivers have already been paid off.
The firm suffered heavy losses during last year's miners' strike but its fate was sealed with this year's failed harvest.
Director John Connelly explained: "We had a backlog from the miners' strike. It is mainly coal haulage we do.
"It was that, coupled with the very bad weather in August which meant there was no harvest. We are normally very busy in August handling grain."
The business was founded in 1900 by Connelly's great uncle, Peter Duncan. Connelly joined the firm from school 28 years ago but is currently engaged in talks with accountants.
It is not yet known whether the firm will be put into liquidation or sold.