Beauly hair salon celebrates first anniversary after a challenging year during which owner caught coronavirus
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A Beauly business has celebrated its first anniversary after a challenging year which saw the owner catch coronavirus plus having to close its doors for several months due to lockdown restrictions.
Lovit Hair salon opened its doors in August last year but found itself closing two months later after owner Laura Simpson succumbed to Covid-19.
Having reopened, the salon was again forced to close when restrictions were reimposed in a second lockdown after Christmas.
But Mrs Simpson and her six staff have celebrated their first year by organising a fundraising raffle for Highland Hospice and treating clients to champagne.
"When I had coronavirus, I was quite unwell," she said.
"But I came out the other side although it was hellish."
After her recovery, the salon underwent a deep clean and reopened.
It then had to close for four months when restrictions were reimposed at Christmas.
"I thought I would never open the doors again," Mrs Simpson said.
But having been allowed to reopen since April, she says business is busy.
"We have a waiting list of clients and we are doing well," she said.
"We have gone from strength to strength."
Mrs Simpson decided to mark the first anniversary with a fundraising raffle for the hospice which she has supported previously, including holding a Wear Yellow Day which raised £300.
"It always shocks me how much money they need to raise to keep it open," she said.
"I know people who have used it and I think it is one of the best things about Inverness that we have this place to help people.
"I feel very passionate about it."
The raffle prize, worth about £250, includes hair straighteners and other top products.
There will also be an appointment for the salon.
People can still buy a ticket in the salon which is located in Beauly Square. The raffle will be drawn this month.
