Part of fashion and accessory business Ness has been brought out of administration, safeguarding more than 35 jobs.

Edinburgh-based property and retail group Kiltane has purchased four Ness outlets - in York, Keswick and two in Edinburgh.

It has also acquired the wholesale and e-commerce divisions of the company.

Before it went into administration in December, Ness operated 10 stores in Scotland and five in England plus four concessions, and employed 105 people.

It called in administrators BDO following financial difficulties.

Kiltane, which employs 75 staff at its stores in Edinburgh, said the move would reinforce its position as a specialist in luxury cashmere, fine woollens and Scottish tweed, while enhancing its geographical reach in the UK and internationally.

Managing director Mark Keane said: "This is an exciting development for Kiltane. The addition of Ness to our existing stores builds considerably on our business infrastructure and capabilities, both in retail outlets in prime locations and online.

"It also safeguards the jobs and skill sets of a very experienced and talented retail team while consolidating our position for future growth.

"We're very confident that the deal will deliver major value to the group in the years ahead because the Ness brand offers a strong fit for us and complements the existing brands and concessions that we work with."

BDO business restructuring partners James Stephen and Matthew Tait were appointed joint administrators over Ness Clothing on December 23.

Mr Stephen said: "Ness Clothing is a unique and popular fashion brand with a dedicated customer base across Scotland and England.

"We are delighted to have secured the sale of the company's four stores, preserving 35 jobs."

Seven Ness stores - in Dundee, Glasgow (Buchanan Galleries), the Livingston Designer Outlet, Aberdeen, Cambridge, Bath and Ilkley - closed in January.