Super trouper Shona Wallace bid farewell to her friends and colleagues on Friday as she retired from the hairdressing business that she’s worked for since leaving school.
After 43 years in the trade, Sanquhar woman Shona, 58, is looking forward to a “wee change” and taking life a bit easier.
She started working at Joan Kerr’s salon in Thornhill after leaving school in 1977.
Six years ago, she relocated to Slate in Dumfries to work for Joan’s daughter Lesley Greenlees.
As the longest serving member of staff with the company, Shona’s loyalty and hard work has always been highly valued by the family.
Lesley said: “We tried to talk her out of retiring but it’s her time now.
“I was only eight when she started working for my mum so she’s like a sister to me and really is just like another member of the family.
“Shona’s always been hugely popular with staff and customers and has had some of her clients her entire career.
“She’s been so loyal and we really are going to miss her so much.”
Lesley and her staff decided to make the most of Shona’s last day and dressed up in Abba-inspired outfits.
She added: “When Shona started hairdressing in 1977, Abba were the big band at the time so we decided it would be a laugh and made Shona dress up too.
“My mum and dad came along when she finished to walk her out to the car because they didn’t want her to leave on her own. It was a very emotional moment.”
Shona, who was inundated with cards and gifts to mark her retirement, said: “I’ve absolutely no regrets about staying with Joan and Lesley my whole career.
“I’ve always been very happy working for them and they are like family to me.
“Everyone I worked with have been such a great bunch and I’ll miss them but it’s just time for a wee change.”
