While hairdressers across the north are making final preparations for returning this week, one firm has said the financial toll of the pandemic means it will be unable to reopen.
The Salon, located within the Queensgate Arcade of the historic Victorian Market in Inverness, was one of thousands of businesses forced to grind to a halt in March.
Following weeks of uncertainty regarding its future, salon owners Ross and Dawn Clark have confirmed the business will not be reopening.
But the pair have managed to secure work at the nearby Loft Hair Studio on Baron Taylor’s Street and vowed to take care of their customers’ overgrown manes when it reopens on Wednesday.
In a message on social media, they blamed the lockdown by saying that staying shut had “taken its toll and hit hard”.
Mike Smith, manager of the Inverness Business Improvement District, said it was unfortunate to see the business close.
He said: “Covid-19 has had a devastating effect on the economy generally and actually I have been pleasantly surprised about the number of businesses that are in a position to reopen.
“Unfortunately, the Salon is one of the few which is not going to make that decision. We are sad to see it go but they have to make the best decision for their business.
“Hopefully that unit will be re-let as soon as possible.”
Measures required for hairdressers to reopen include the need for physical distancing to be obeyed with marked areas between seats and treatment stations, perspex screens installed at workstations, including reception areas if possible and bookings by appointment only, with times staggered to minimise overlap of clients.
Firms must also keep customer details for four weeks to share details for “test and protect” if required.
Face coverings will be mandatory for staff and customers, with visors recommended for staff. Reading materials and refreshments will be removed, other than water on request
The announcement was made as scores of city businesses ease back into trading.
The Queensgate Arcade reopened to customers weeks ago as the rest of the market remained closed ahead of shopping centres being able to reopen.
Market businesses including Duncan Fraser Fishmongers, Hastie and Dyce, Café de Paulo and Queensgate Shoe Repairs have now all reopened, making up for lost time over the past months.
Fellow city businesses including Primark on Bridge Street, Allsorts on Union Street, Caffè Nero in Inverness High Street and Ellerium Games Ltd on Lombard Street have also began trading again.
