A popular beauty therapist was left “totally shocked” after learning she would be forced to leave a town shopping centre with less than two weeks notice.
Sarita Thapa Tamang has operated the Fab Brows Bar in Elgin’s St Giles Centre for 10 years.
The Fab Brows Bar, in the St Giles Centre, is set to close.
However, last week, she received the devastating news that she would have to leave the “perfect location” by Monday, January 20, when the shopping centre will close.
“We were not given enough warning,” Sarita said.
“For a moment, I could not even imagine what I would do next.
“I had no pre-planned new location for relocating, and also how I would remove the kiosk.
“I was scared of losing my customers and the business itself.
“It’s a really difficult time for all the business and employees that are affected.”
The St Giles Centre, Moray’s only shopping centre, is owned by Aviemore businessman David John Cameron through St Giles Shopping Centre Holdings Limited and Upland Developments Ltd.
After the closure was announced, a spokesperson for Upland Developments Ltd blamed the closure on Moray Council’s support for out-of-town shopping and vacant units.
In November, it was revealed that Moray Council had agreed to pursue £750,000 in unpaid business rates owed by St Giles Shopping Centre Holdings Ltd.
Despite fears she would be “starting from scratch again”, Sarita has already managed to find a new location to operate from.
Staying in the town centre, she is set to move to Elgin Nail and Spa at 77 High Street on Monday, January 20.
“It’s a huge challenge moving out from a well established location to a new one,” she added.
“It’s almost like you are starting from scratch again.
“The centre is the perfect location for my business.
“Being the only shopping centre in Moray, it’s quite a centre point for people to visit which is really beneficial for my business.
“We look forward to welcoming all the customers to our new location and continuing to provide the high quality services as always.”
Despite the difficult end to her time at the St Giles Centre, the eyebrows specialist offered a special thanks to her customers and shopping centre staff who supported her business.
“First and foremost I would like to thank all my lovely customers who supported me throughout this decade,” she added.
“I would also like to thank St Giles Centre manager Stephen Young and all St Giles Centre staff for their service and support all these years.”