BOSSES of an award-winning car salesroom in Largs have moved to quash rumours that Aldi is set to move into their site.

Family-run Pearson of Largs is based closed to the town centre and rumours had began to circulate on social media that the budget supermarket chain was set to snap up the car showroom site.

Ross Pearson this week spoke to the News to dismiss the rumour - and insisted that the company will not be vacating its Main Road showroom location.

The company took over the land at the former Fiddlers Nightclub to extend their footprint and display more cars - something the director of 27 years says the firm is intent on following through with.

Ross added: "There have been a lot of rumours about potential sites in Largs for an Aldi or a Lidl after both said they want to open in Largs.

"As we have one of the larger properties, people have been putting two and two together, but I can categorically say that there is no truth behind the rumours - we haven't spoken to either supermarket chain."

Ross says that the neighbouring Fiddlers site remains part of their long-term vision.

He added: "There are plans to get it tarred and neatened up before we move forward with getting more cars there. It is a project we are committed to.

"New cars sales have levelled off. There is a semi conductor shortage which helps power the computer chips for cars so there has been a wee bit of a stock shortage but other than that we have been selling more used cars than new.

Sales have continued to remain steady throughout the pandemic for Pearson, which also has a showroom in the main road through Wemyss Bay.

Ross said: "It is handy having the two branches.

"We had great news last year as we were awarded dealer of the year for the whole of UK. Our sales were fantastic, even through the pandemic.

"The judges were impressed that our numbers were the same as in normal years and we were among the only UK dealers to do that.

"We have a very loyal customer base in Largs. We look after them and they look after us. We've no intention of leaving the area of selling up.

Pearson are one of Scotland’s longest-established car dealerships to still remain in the hands of the founding family.

The business was started by John Pearson whose grandson, David, is the company’s managing director and dealer principal. David’s son Ross is in charge of the Largs operation.

Aside from the founding family’s involvement, the business has many long-serving staff and the company employ around 40 people between its Wemyss Bay and Largs branches.