Barbour has confirmed the closure of its Scottish plant

A short statement from the company confirmed the site at Tweedbank near Galashiels would be shut "with great regret" on Thursday.

Plans to cease operations at the plant - with the loss of 46 jobs - were confirmed earlier this month.

The Scottish factory was opened 12 years ago and produced classic knitwear and weaving.

Brenda Readman-Bell, group finance director of Barbour, said it was still trying to help the workers affected.

"We are continuing to do everything possible to assist our staff in securing future employment," she said.

"It is encouraging to hear that a good number have already found new jobs."

'Substantial significance'

The company said knitwear which had been produced at the plant would continue to be manufactured in Scotland.

The closure has been heavily criticised by local politicians and in the Scottish Parliament.

First Minister Alex Salmond said the job losses were of "substantial significance" to the area.

J Barbour and Sons was formed in 1894 in South Shields by a farmer's son from Galloway, in south west Scotland.