CONTRARY to rumours circulating in the Garnock Valley, dental practices in Beith, Dalry and Kilbirnie are NOT closing.

Dalry Dental Practice, Beith Dental Care and Kilbirnie Dental Care have been bought by two local dentists – safeguarding existing jobs and creating new positions at the surgeries.

Colin Hunter and Greig Stevenson have been friends for 17 years after graduating from Dundee University together. Sharing a dream – to own a dental surgery – the pair had searched for their own practice for four years. Colin and Greig were delighted when the practices became available to buy.

They took advantage of financial support from RBS to realise their dream, working with Charlie Serafini, RBS Business Development Director, to secure a loan to enable them to invest in the businesses.

Now running the four practices between them, each partner works across two sites. This acquisition has safeguarded the jobs of the 16-strong workforce and Colin and Greig will look to employ two new dentists in the next six months to meet demand, as well as implementing a vocational training programme.

Colin and Greig plan to modernise and upgrade the businesses over the coming years using state of the art technology.

The practices will offer private care but remain available to NHS patients.

Greig said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to take over four well established practices in an area we know well.

"We aim to build on the great service these practices have provided for many years and develop and drive them forward to allow us to offer our patients the best possible care available.

Charlie Serafini said: “Colin and Greig are both very enthusiastic and committed to offering the highest service possible.

"It’s been a pleasure to work with them as they take the leap and invest in their own business.”