Inverness complementary treatment centre is 'devastated' as it closes its doors due to significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on business
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An Inverness complementary treatment centre has closed its doors with "a heavy heart", saying the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on business.
Inverness Salt Therapy Centre, based in Beechwood Business Park, said many regular customers were still struggling with the risks of Covid-19 and numbers had not returned to the pre-pandemic level.
The centre used therapies to treat various respiratory and skin conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, sinusitis, eczema and psoriasis.
Begbies Trainor has been appointed to handle the closure.
In a statement on its website, the therapy centre stated: "We had to close our business for eight months over the lockdowns and having to operate at a reduced capacity has been extremely difficult.
"A fair majority of our regular customers have been within the vulnerable and shielding category and as such are still struggling with the risks of Covid-19.
"We fully understand why this is a concern for our customers. However, for us as a business, it has meant that a vital number of our customers have still not returned despite all our efforts to ensure that everyone feels safe during their visit.
"For our loyal customers who have continued to support us, it has meant the world to us and we have done everything possible to try and avoid this situation happening.
"However, our numbers have not increased close enough back to their previous operating figures and it is no longer possible to continue."
The business has closed with immediate effect.
All appointments have been cancelled and the office is no longer manned and the phone line is no longer in operation.
The statement continued: "We have loved every minute of serving the Highlands for the last six years, bringing a treatment to the north that would normally be something reserved for the larger cities.
"Our manager Yasmin especially is completely devastated at the closure of the business.
"She has loved the bond she has built with all of you and she is heartbroken that she will not be able to continue to see you all each week."
Begbies Trainor, which is handling the closure, will be in contact with people in the coming weeks. The firm can be reached on 01463 642851.
The statement concluded: "We want to say an overwhelming thank you for those who have supported us throughout our six years and this has been the hardest thing for us.
"Unfortunately, we have become the latest business casualty because of the pandemic, we tried our hardest to avoid this but it is no longer possible.
"Throughout the the entirety of the pandemic and all the time we were closed we have not receive any break period in our rent or service charges and it has now reached a point that it is impossible to continue.
"We hope you all understand that this is not a decision that has been taken lightly and we are as devastated as you."
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