THE future of Dunfermline's Debenhams store remains uncertain after the company was placed into administration today.

The retailers' lenders are now in control of the company and the chain says administrators have been appointed to Debenhams plc to successfully sell the group.

It said its underlying business has access to £200m funding and that "Debenhams' operations continue to trade as normal."

The Debenhams outlet in Dunfermline opened just over 10 years ago, as the flagship store in the Kingsgate Centre's £50 million extension.

Terry Duddy, Debenhams' chairman, said: "It is disappointing to reach a conclusion that will result in no value for our equity holders.

"However, this transaction will allow Debenhams to continue trading as normal, access the funding we need, and proceed with executing our turnaround plans, whilst deleveraging the group's balance sheet.

"We remain focused on protecting as many stores and jobs as possible, consistent with establishing a sustainable store portfolio in line with our previous guidance."

He said: "In the meantime, our customers, colleagues, pension holders, suppliers and landlords can be reassured that Debenhams will now be able to move forward on a stable footing.

"I would like to thank them all for their recent and continuing support."