Ross-shire's poster boy in the frame to expand Dingwall business despite Covid-19 pandemic impact
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A determined trader in Ross-shire’s market town plans not only to see out the pandemic but to expand in the future – though that may depend on government support.
Fears of another lockdown or restrictions which have already wreaked havoc on the hospitality sector could spread wider as the Scottish and UK governments refuse to rule out further action to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.
Though many people were complaining about tourists coming north, honestly if it was not for them many businesses would have closed
That would be bad news for businesses up and down the country that have already weathered much of the Covid storm, including those who actually opened new establishments during the pandemic.
Robert MacLeod, who owns and runs Dingwall’s Poster World, said: “It was very difficult and worrying when the lockdown was announced on December 26 last year. Over that period if it was not for the government support I would not have been able to survive or reopen.
“Over the summer months it was very good, especially having the tourists from all over the UK visiting the north. Though many people were complaining about tourists coming north, honestly if it was not for them many businesses would have closed.
“September, October and November were slow but enough to cover the bills. December so far has been good but now I’m working on building a new website which will be ready by January, that will help to support the shop over the beginning of next year.”
He said government support was key to pulling through but even more than that was local support, saying: “Absolutely yes, though the amount was small it helped to pay the bills.
“The local community has been so supportive and the power of Facebook has really helped me grow the business with over 6000 people now following me, I was able to inform my customers of new stock that has arrived. The only issue I have is I would like a bigger shop.
“With January and February, knowing that these are quiet months as long as we get the government support then it should be fine. This is also why I have made a huge investment into building a new website so I can hopefully have the website to support me if we go into another lockdown.
“My aim is to get a bigger shop and offer more selections and cater for all ages. I have such a vision of where I want to be and that is to be the best shop in the Highlands for all your collectible toys.”
It's good to back – Ross-shire traders get back down to business
Picture or story to share in Ross-shire? Email hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk
