A Forfar takeaway has closed mysteriously after only several months in business.
Locals were queuing out the door when Bombdigitty’s, a chicken and pizza restaurant, opened at the tail end of last year.
The Craig o’ Loch Road shop opened with a fanfare after being supported by a publicly-funded loan.
However, the eatery closed at the weekend with a coat of whitewash in the windows, and an online notice of closure.
“It is with great sadness we announce the temporary closure of Bombdiggity’s for domestic reasons,” it states.
“We will let you know as soon as we’re back up and running again but in the meantime please accept our apologies.”
The startup was the first in Angus to benefit from a loan under the East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF).
Pizza Plus (Forfar) Ltd received an undisclosed sum to assist with the set-up of its new business.
Owner Scott Grieve fitted out the new premises on the former site of Angus County Press.
Mr Grieve said previously: “We are delighted to be moving closer to our opening date here in Forfar, and appreciate the whole-hearted support we have had from Angus Council’s economic development team.
“We have large ambitions for the future growth of the business and this is a vital first step for us.”
Initial plans were to quickly develop a chain of associated outlets in Dundee and Perth.
The ESIF is a consortium of 10 eastern councils set up to finance small to medium-sized enterprises.
A loans officer said the public body always look for full repayment plus interest, much like a normal bank.
“We operate in the space where banks tend not to lend, but there are in-depth checks,” said Donna Menzies.
“It is appreciated that we will deal with what would be termed higher-risk customers.
“But we think in terms of economic reward rather than financial reward, in terms of jobs and businesses that funding would support.”
A spokeswoman for Angus Council confirmed the local authority’s environmental health team had visited the premises several times since it had opened, as is standard for a new food business, and the last visit was on February 7.
The team recorded “no concerns” over food standards.
A family member of Mr Grieve refused to comment.