A TANNING salon broke official guidance by reopening too early during lockdown, Scottish Borders Council (SBC) says.

Tantalize, on Channel Street in Galashiels, opened its doors on Monday (June 15), during phase one of Scotland’s route out of lockdown.

But the salon has been forced to close after council officials ruled that Scottish Government guidelines were breached.

Salon owner Conrad Mackenzie Campbell said: "I have spoken to the council environmental health board and they have advised I remain closed.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday (June 18) that Scotland has moved into phase two of the route out of lockdown.

Shops can reopen from June 29, said Ms Sturgeon, but personal retail businesses must remain closed until phase three.

An SBC spokesperson said: "The council was informed that a tanning salon in Galashiels was open this week. 

"Our protective services team spoke to the owner and have confirmed the business should still be closed in line with current Scottish Government guidance. 

"No further action will be taken at this time.”

As reported previously, the Border Telegraph was approached by two readers who said the salon opened this week.

One of them, a Galashiels worker, claimed to have seen six people entering the premises at the same time.

Responding to that claim, Mr Campbell says: "There has never been six people within the salon at any time."

He added: "I opened the business making that decision based upon all factors and customer safety being number one. 

"I have covered all safety aspects with social distancing and hygiene which is the priority.

"We have not broken any rules within the tanning shop."

Non-essential shops in Scotland were ordered to close in March.