Dundee’s very own “male grooming emporium” opened its doors on Friday morning after a six-month refurbishment.

The Mantuary opened in the former Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop on Commercial Street.

It offers a range of services from barbering to manicures and pedicures, facials and waxing.

There’s also some holistic therapies available. And the new salon also features a cigar room.

Its team of staff have undergone mental health training, meaning they are equipped to steer customers in the right direction if they are having difficulties.

Micro-investment firm CAM Ventures has backed the new venture, The Mantuary.

The investment company was set up last summer by Campbell Archibald and Will Macpherson.

USA inspiration for creating The Mantuary

Mr Macpherson explained his business partner’s trips to America were behind the idea.

“Campbell travelled a lot around the USA. His guilty pleasure was going for a manicure and pedicure.

“Over there, there were plenty of male-focused salons so you didn’t feel awkward going into a salon.

“That’s where it came from.”

Mr Macpherson, who is from Perth, said he wants to create somewhere people feel at ease.

CAM Ventures has invested a six-figure sum in the project.

He urged anyone interested to pop in, with no pressure on booking a treatment.

“We know people like to talk. Most salons have private rooms for their beauty stuff, our treatment area is a big open space.

“We’d like people to come and have a chat, and feel part of something. You don’t have to be a member, but you can become a member.”

Founding memberships – which includes £50 a month to spend on treatments, products and refreshments for the first 12 months – are almost sold out.

The membership is £500 for the first year.

Meanwhile, Mr Macpherson felt it was important the team had the tools to deal with any mental health challenges they face.

He added: “We know people sit and chat and we thought it was right to give the team the tools to point people in the right direction.

“They are not fully trained counsellors.

“It’s also about just being good at listening, rather than feeling uncomfortable if someone does have challenges.”

Why Dundee city centre?

Mr Macpherson explained why his firm chose Dundee for The Mantuary.

“The main reason is because we want to be part of the resurgence of Dundee.

“There’s so many empty retail spaces and we want to bring something different to the city.

“It was hard to find a site because we wanted somewhere with character.

“It’s set on a 1920s or 1930s theme and it was important we found somewhere that matched that.

“We think this is something Dundee is missing.”

And he’s looking forward to seeing The Mantuary welcome its first customers.

“We’re all super excited,” Mr Macpherson added.

“It’s been a difficult refurbishment but we’re all very excited to have people in and enjoy it.”