Clothing chain Coast has collapsed into administration, putting 300 jobs at risk.

All 24 standalone sites are to close, including three Scottish stores.

Coast has stores in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and in Glasgow shopping mall Silverburn.

The Press Association understands that rival Karen Millen has bought the group's brand and website, taking on 600 staff.

However 300 jobs are now at risk.

Coast has been hit hard by the collapse of House of Fraser, which went into administration earlier this year owing millions to retailers with concessions within the department store.

Coast is owned by Aurora Fashions, which also owns retailers Oasis and Warehouse.

Aurora itself is owned by Icelandic bank Kaupthing, which in turn owns Karen Millen.

The news comes at a difficult time for the sector, with the likes of Maplin, Toys R Us and House of Fraser all collapsing this year.

New Look, Homebase and casual dining chains have also had to slim down their store portfolios.