The Perth community has rallied behind a long-standing local hat shop that was left significantly damaged during a break-in.
Elegance of Perth on Atholl Street was forced to close following the alleged break-in on Thursday.
A 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Elegance has been a city staple since 1988 and is run by Kayti Masson, her sister Lynda Wilson and their mum Evelyn Goodwillie.
Evelyn and Kayti were the founding partners, with Lynda joining the business in 2014.
Kayti said: “It was a neighbour next door to us who heard something – so he phoned the police after seeing glass outside the shop.
“We were very upset to come in and see the stramash – it’s just the shock of it.
“It’s the sudden panic and you can’t think straight in amongst the shock.
“This is a busy time for us. We were on a tight schedule to get everything turned around – and amazingly we did despite having to shut the shop for a day.”
The shop was expected to be shut for some time to repair the damage – but neighbours of the store were on hand to clean up and it was able to reopen on Friday.
‘With the help and everyone rallying around, we’re open again for business’
“It’s been traumatic but when we came back from the police station, the nearby builders were all in and trying to clean up,” Kayti continued.
“I’ve been here for 35 years and never had anything like that ever.
“The builders were in cleaning up and sweeping up the glass.
“Gail who works in here, she had her gloves on to clean up.
“Everybody has just been so nice. Everybody is just disgusted at what happened.
“With the help and everyone rallying around, we’re open again for business.
“We’re very positive people and something like that is not going to stop us after 35 years.”
Many supporters of Elegance voiced their support after the incident.
One wrote: “So sorry to be reading this, hope you are all ok.”
Another said: “Very sorry to hear this. Very distressing for you all.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5.55am on Thursday, 25 May, 2023, police were called to a report of a break-in at a premises on Atholl Street, Perth.
“A 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
“He is due to appear at Perth Sheriff Court and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.”
