The new consortium said a new boot plant would cost over �1m

The company went into administration in April and 48 jobs were cut. A takeover weeks later secured 64 jobs.

Jonathan Marland, who led the bid, has asked for assistance to keep the business in Dumfries when the lease on its current site runs out next year.

The council and enterprise company have said they will discuss support plans.

Mr Marland told the BBC News website that the business was doing well but it needed to make key decisions in the near future.

He said the lease on the current Heathhall site would run out next spring and the costs of a new plant in Dumfries would be more than �1m.

I am very committed to being a Scottish business - but not at any cost Jonathan Marland Consortium leader

"The situation for our site is quite clear - we have only until April of next year to occupy the factory," he said.

"We have applied for a further two years and we are awaiting a response."

Mr Marland admitted that if no extension could be agreed or support found for a new site in the town the group might be forced to look overseas.

"We want to avoid that," he said.

"We are very committed to being in Scotland but we would probably need support from Scottish Enterprise and the local authority to encourage us to do it.

"I am very committed to being a Scottish business - but not at any cost."

'Important facility'

Both Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway (SEDG) and Dumfries and Galloway Council have said they were happy to discuss keeping the famous name in Dumfries.

"SEDG has had a long working relationship with Hunters and we would be happy to meet with management and see how their needs could be best met," a spokeswoman said.

"As yet the council has had no direct approach from the company," said a spokesman for the authority.

"We would, of course, be keen to sit down with them and the local enterprise company to ensure everything possible is done to retain this important manufacturing facility in the area."