Kilmarnock Standard

Killie gamers shop forced to shutdown

Not-for-profit store is hit by economic pressures

- ELINA KOBZAR

A not-for-profit Kilmarnock shop will no longer continue trading due to difficult financial times and operationa­l pressures.

As part of Kilmarnock Station Railway Heritage Trust (KSRHT), based at the town’s train station, Station Gamers is a project that provides mental health services and counsellin­g in Ayrshire.

The devastatin­g blow comes six months after the shop was raided by thieves.

The space will be repurposed and used to provide additional mental well-being support, with all the sales money going towards the cost.

A staff member said on Facebook: “As some of you may or not be aware the Station Gamers shop is fully funded by the KSRHT.

“The staff are very much part of the wider operation and operate under the banner of the charity carrying out great work to promote the Trust and its social prescribin­g service.

“Over the years our loyal customers have allowed the trust to offer free therapy to those in the community who could not afford to fund the aspect themselves.

“Unfortunat­ely, due to difficult financial times and operationa­l pressures, it’s no longer financiall­y viable to continue trading via Station Gamers.

“We all wish to thank you very much for your support as a part of the gaming and wider community. “

Station Gamers organised a big sale, making everything at the shop at the trade price. Items for sale include scale models, board games, Warhammer, paints and supplies.

A staff member added: “The Station Gamers crew have been looking for an alternativ­e venue and we have guarantee of at least one room for our use so that Kilmarnock can retain an affordable gaming club in our community.

“This isn’t the end.

“It’s a transition and we’ll support each other through these changes.”

 ?? ?? Moving on
Founders Khollen and Debbie MacGillivr­ay
Moving on Founders Khollen and Debbie MacGillivr­ay
 ?? ?? Game over The game space at the shop in Kilmarnock
Game over The game space at the shop in Kilmarnock
 ?? ?? Game space Gamers united in the Kilmarnock shop space
Game space Gamers united in the Kilmarnock shop space

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