Edinburgh bakery bosses have announced “with heavy hearts” that they are closing up shop.

The Kilted Donut – which operated shops in Grassmarket and Leith Walk – will shut in the face of “ongoing economic uncertainty” and “family health challenges”.

This comes just months after their third location in Morningside shut its doors in March.

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Owners took to social media to announce the “incredibly difficult decision” to close after eight years in business.

They told their loyal customers and patrons: “After a lot of soul-searching and with heavy hearts, we’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to close Kilted Donut. The mix of ongoing economic uncertainty and family health challenges has made it impossible for us to keep going the way we’d hoped.

“We are deeply grateful for your support over the years — for every visit, every kind word, and every shared moment. This community has meant the world to us, and we couldn’t have come this far without you.

“Thank you for coming along on the journey and making it a special one! We have so many great memories from the past 8 years.”

The Kilted Donut specialised in handmade, artisan donuts. The Edinburgh couple behind the bakery got the idea to launch the business from another bakery in New Orleans while on their honeymoon.

Their website explains: “After our trip we spent the next year working on our dough recipe and testing it on friends and family. We decided to start slow, so while we kept working full time jobs we began operate stalls at local markets, such as Leith Market, Pitt Street Market, and Balerno Market.

“From our small start in Leith we have grown and contracted a little. We now have an off-sight bakery and tthree shops in Grassmarket, Morningside and Leith. And we now have a team of 24 wokring with us to make our donuts.”

Aggrieved customers shared their sadness at the news on social media.

The former owner of Salt Cafe in Morningside said: “This is so incredibly sad, but I completely understand. I had to close Salt Café for very similar reasons. Even the most successful businesses in Edinburgh are struggling to make things sustainable, let alone enjoyable, for their owners anymore.

“It’s relentless—day in, day out. Hard graft. And unless you’ve been in it yourself, it’s impossible to truly understand the strain it puts on you. You should be so proud of what you’ve built. I hope you both take the time for a well-deserved break, some rest, and a chance to refocus on what’s next.”

A gutted customer posted: “Nooooooo!!! This is so sad to hear. I hope you can go on to great things though and bring as much joy as you did with donuts”.

Another shared: “Oh no, I am so sad to hear this! My husband and I loved your donuts and we had them at our wedding last year! Edinburgh will be very sad to lose you guys”.

A third penned: “A huge loss, for us foodies and I’m sure for yourselves too. I know this would have been an incredibly tough decision, make sure you take care of yourselves. I’ll miss your doughnuts and always wish I’d eaten more of them xxx”.

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