Dingwall gallery The Alchemist in frame to reopen after 14-week coronavirus lockdown hiatus
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A DINGWALL art gallery is set to open tomorrow for the first time in 14 weeks, having operated on a "virtual" basis during lockdown.
The Alchemist, which celebrates by opening an exhibition by local artist Moira MacBeath, will be following social distancing guidelines when it re-opens on Monday.
Owner Hazel Gordon told social media followers: "After 14 weeks of being closed, and ‘virtual’ only, it's a huge relief to now have a date for re-opening.
"Taking the decision to close voluntarily back in March before we were told to was extremely difficult but, I am sure now, it was the right thing to do. Thanks to all suppliers and customers who kept me sane in various ways.
"As ever, we strive to be a genuinely responsible retailer and that means doing all we can to make shopping with us safe for everyone. The relevant good practices will be in place for June 29, with our own quirky twist of course!"
"I am acutely aware of the many other local independent small businesses that still don’t have a confirmed opening date, and want to do my best to help them get out of that painful position too."
The High Street shop will be open from Monday to Saturday from 10am – 5pm.
Ms Gordon said it will also be prepared to open by appointment for anyone more comfortable shopping on their own.
She added: "I am acutely aware of the many other local independent small businesses that still don’t have a confirmed opening date, and want to do my best to help them get out of that painful position too. Jane and I hope to be able to give you a warm welcome in Dingwall, or hear how else we can help you, soon."
Dingwall-raised Moira MacBeath's exhibition will be the first on show since lockdown in the upstairs gallery. Her ink drawings, which include many local scenes, will run until August 18.
Related: Show goes on for lockdown artist
Dingwall gallery shop revamp rolls back the years
Artist puts surroundings in frame for Dingwall exhibition
Return to work on Dingwall High Street development
Are you re-opening this week in Ross-shire? Let us know how you get on by emailing hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk
