Tributes have been pouring in across social media following the death of a much loved Inverness businessman.
Trevor Nicol was best-known by locals in Merkinch area as the proud owner of Nicol’s Corner Shop.
The former Grant Street discount store was first established by his father in 1967 before going on to trade in the community for five decades.
In 2017, the business closed its doors for good, as Mr Nicol announced his retirement from the retail sector.
Along with his Grant Street trade, the self-employed businessman also ran his own franchised domestic cleaning agency, established in 1993, as well as partnered with is wife Susan in the running of Caberfeidh B&B in Inverness.
Community in mourning
Local residents across the community have been left in shock as news of the “Inverness legend’s” death was announced, taking to social media to share their fond memories.
William Corbett said he was devastated to hear of the passing of his “good friend.”
He wrote: “Really shocked to hear that good friend and Merkinch & Inverness legend, Trevor Nicol has sadly passed away.
“Owner for so many years of the legendary Nicol’s corner shop in Grant Street, which had stood even before I was a wee boy going to Merkinch School.
“Thoughts are with Susan and all of the family at this sad time. RIP Trevor.”
Brenda Johnson added: “Very sad news. Trevor will be sadly missed around here, always happy and upbeat. Thinking of Susan and the family.”
Alex Platt said: “Gee whizz another good guy gone RIP Trevor.”
‘So kind and helpful’
Councillor for the Inverness Central ward, Bet McAllister, said Mr Nicol was “not, a Merkincher, but a Merkincher.”
She explained: “He was an absolute gem of a guy and he did so much for the South Kessock area.
“He was so well known, helping people going into houses and all that, and I never heard anyone saying a bad word about him.
“He wasn’t a Merkincher, but he was a Merkincher. He was so kind and helpful to a lot of people in that area.
“I was very sad to read that he had passed away. He was just a gentleman.”
Heartfelt condolences
Members of the South Kessock and Merkinch community chat group passed on their condolences to his family.
They wrote: “We are very shocked to learn that a very well known local businessman Trevor Nicol has sadly passed away. Our thoughts and condolences goes out to his family at this very sad time. RIP Trevor.”
Many shared their memories of meeting Mr Nicol, who died at the age of 69, in his shop and around the Merkinch area.
Alan Gillies said: “So sorry to hear this sad news. Dealt with him for many years and you couldn’t find a nicer person.”
Roddy Macleod said: “Sad to hear that Trevor passed away he was a great man and always had time for the people who came into his shop and will be greatly missed by all who knew him and my deepest sympathy to the family.”
There were shared memories of buying rain jackets in his shop over the years, and locals remember him as “always having a smile on his face.”
Allan Cormie said: “So sorry to hear this sad news. Trevor was a great guy, and any kid from the ferry or Merkinch will have worn an anorak from Nicols. RIP Trevor.”