By Stephen Stewart BBC Scotland news website

Pan drops could be among the products under threat

They were all once beloved features of Scottish childhoods. But the toffee bar is the latest sweetie which could be facing the axe.

The McCowan's Highland Toffee bar could disappear from shelves after the makers went into receivership.

McCowan's was saved from closure last year, but the company's new owners have failed to revive its fortunes and its range may be consigned to the past.

However, specialist retailers say the market for retro-sweets is booming, with favourites including Pan Drops, Cherry Lips, Foiled Ice Cups and Chelsea Whoppers.

Michael Parker, founder of an old-fashioned sweet shop on the internet, said: "A lot of it is nostalgia and people trying to relive their youth.

"People really seem to love it and the demand for nostalgic products is bigger than ever.

"McCowan's seemed to get edged out. It could be that they are that wee bit too small."

Fond memories

It has also emerged that Creamola Foam, a favourite with revivalists, could make a comeback after a chance discovery two years ago.

Paul Groundwater, a baker in Kirkwall, is believed to have the world's last unopened tin of Creamola Foam, which he uncovered in 2004.

The container, which holds the lemon-flavour variety of the drink, is stored in a safe at Groundwater's specialist baking business.

Mr Groundwater, who learned Retrosweets.co.uk were interested in his find, said: "I would be unwilling to allow someone to take the tin unless we could do some kind of deal. Maybe a percentage of future profits or something like that.

"I think that's only fair. After all, I have kept the tin safe and in pristine condition. Even the paper in the top of the tin has not been touched.

"It certainly brought back memories when I saw the tin. I could not keep it in the shop and decided to keep it in the safe.

"The concoction in the can sounds solid but I have still had a lot of interest. I do hope the drink can be brought back. I liked it myself and I have fond memories of it."

Another web retailer said retro-sweets were proving hugely popular online and were worth up to �750,000 a year in business for them alone.