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Community in mourning after death of Inverness salon boss


By Donald Wilson

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Nina MacKenzie
Nina MacKenzie

A MUCH-loved city businesswoman has died following a short illness.

Nina MacKenzie, who ran Nina’s Images, was regarded by many as the matriarch of the tight-knit business community based on the Market Brae Steps, which link the city centre with the Crown area of Inverness.

Aged 62, she was diagnosed with cancer in December and died at home this week.

Colleague Sara Chisholm worked with Ms MacKenzie for 34 years. She said: “It’s a great loss to Inverness but especially the Market Brae Steps where she was much-loved by everyone.

“She started her career as an apprentice hairdresser 46 years ago at Arnotts in Academy Street after coming over from Stornoway. When she started up her own business in 1983 many of her customers just followed her.

“She had no children of her own but her customers and the many young hairdressers she trained over the years were like an extended family to her – myself included.

“As well as being a wonderful hairdresser she was great at giving life lessons and was always there if you needed a shoulder to cry on. She was a good laugh too with a great sense of humour and fun.

“Many of her clients she knew first when they were young girls. She did their hair for their weddings and knew all their children and then their grandchildren.

“She loved cats and there was one which came into the salon every day. Nina fed it and looked after it like it was one of her own for many years.”

Mrs Chisholm said that when Ms MacKenzie started complaining of back pains, everyone thought it was sciatica caused by her job.

“We were devastated when she was diagnosed with cancer,” she said, adding that she had thought of taking over the salon herself, but decided against it.

“My heart wanted to but my head said no – it should close with Nina. I have taken a chair at another salon.”

Nina’s Images will close at the end of March.

A book of condolence has been opened at the salon for any former colleagues or customers to sign.

Nina’s funeral will take place in her native Stornoway and the book will be forwarded to her mother there.

Caoimhe Simpson, who runs Times Spa and Beauty opposite Ms MacKenzie’s salon, also paid tribute, saying Nina was “like a mother” to younger business owners in the area.

“I started my business 18 months ago and she would tell us off if she thought we were working too hard,” she said.

“I’ll miss her terribly and so will the other businesses.”


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