A mum of two has used her passion for sewing to help others, after stitching dozens of masks free of charge.
Claire Mackintosh, who lives at Daviot in the Highlands, launched her own children’s clothes business one year ago.
But alongside thousand of other small business owners, she has adapted her services in the face of coronavirus.
Having already made 100 colourful masks in the space of three days, Claire now has a waiting list, with masks going to a wide range of recipients.
She knows better than most just how vital the face masks could be, having worked at Raigmore Hospital as a healthcare assistant.
Although she quit her role to follow her dream career in sewing, her sister is currently working within the Covid-19 team. Claire also remains as a bank nurse auxiliary herself.
She is still taking online orders through her clothing company Rory Macaroni, but expects business to slow down.
“Orders are still coming through at the moment, I’m not sure what will happen if things stop altogether,” said Claire.
“I am taking every precaution possible. I know some people have shut their shops altogether. As long as people are still ordering, I will keep working.”
Claire was inspired to start sewing as her own grandmother was a seamstress.
After she was left uninspired by clothes in the shops for her son, she got to work creating a new wardrobe and never looked back.
“I was always fascinated by the sewing machine growing up,” she said.
“After my grandmother died, I went and got sewing lessons. I remember it was 2018 and we were going on holiday to Mexico. I just couldn’t find anything in the shops for my son, so I ended up making him clothes. It went from there, my business turned one in March.
“So many people have asked me to make masks.
“I’m not charging because I obviously don’t want to profit from what is a rubbish situation. I ask for a donation towards postage.
“My husband, Gavin, helped me make the first batch and I think we’ll probably do a further 100 masks.
“I gave a few masks to my postman and he was delighted. Healthcare workers have asked for them and people whose children are high-risk.
“I’ve also made masks for supermarket workers.
“It makes me feel like I’m doing something to help.”
