End of the road for two eateries

TWO Dumfriesshire businesses have decided to call it a day. Castle Douglas restaurant Rosava’s will close its doors in April and has said the decision was made due to a mixture of the “extreme pressures” the industry is facing and for “long overdue” family time. A spokesperson for Rosava’s said: “After 30-plus years in hospitality, I have finally decided it’s time to retire from the industry and spend more long overdue family time. “It’s not a decision I have made easily, and while it’s something I had always intended a few years from now, in light of the extreme pressures that have been put on the trade overall I have spent many, many, months considering whether the long days/nights required and sacrificing family holidays/time with my children, are actually worth the benefits of having my own business. Unfortunately, with the current climate they no longer are for me. “Despite closing myself, I do still aim to petition and lobby for the industry in whatever capacity I can be of help going forward. “I have recently realised I’m blessed that I’m in a position to simply close, but the hospitality industry as a whole is currently under enormous pressure that cannot continue without significant changes.” Meanwhile, the Ae Forest Bike Shop and Cafe will close after 13 years in business. But the owners hope someone will be able to take the shop on in the future. A spokesman said: “What started out small, quickly grew into a great community and something far more special than we could ever have imagined. “We are so incredibly grateful for your support, loyalty, and kindness over the years. We’ve shared so many laughs, stories, and memories that we will cherish forever. “We truly hope someone will take the shop on in the future and continue to be a central part of the community. “We’re looking at finishing up at the end of April and will continue trading up until then selling off stock and finishing things up.”