Barber’s Rosslynlee fishery pod is perfect

Anglers thought there was something fishy when Lee Perfect put a barber’s pole on the back of a glamping pod at their favourite fishery.

Lee Perfect with customer Jay Golder in the pod. Picture by Nigel Duncan Media.

But now they – and other clients – are hooked and think Lee is a cut above the rest.

The 22-year-old has set up a salon in a glamping pod and is now attracting clients from all over the Lothians and even Fife. What’s more, he doesn’t need travel far for work as the salon is only 150 yards from his parents’ home near Roslin.

Lockdown prompted the idea to use the unit at Rosslynlee Trout Fishery run by his mum Nicola. She couldn’t let out the units and Lee fancied going it alone after renting a chair in a barbers in Mayfield.

Client Jay Golder from Dalkeith, a car valeter, is a fan. The 31-year-old, father-of-three said: “It’s so easy, no queuing and parking is not an issue. Lee is also a really good barber and this place is ideal.”

Anglers are hooked as they book a slot before fishing for four hours and then get their hair done before going home.

Lee said: “I rented a chair for four years and when I couldn’t work during lockdown and my mum couldn’t let the glamping pods we got chatting. I fancied going out on my own and the unit was lying there not being used. So, we did what we needed to do to open once lockdown was eased.

“As I’m only yards from my home I can vary appointments to suit and even work evenings and Sundays to suit clients. I’ll work seven days a week if customers want me to.”

The barber’s pole on the back of the pod is a giveaway and his clients have a dedicated parking area away from the fishermen.

Lee said: “Anglers walk past and ask for an appointment. I’m happy to fit them in when I can but I built up a loyal client base when I was in Mayfield and they are coming.

“I’ve promoted the unit on social media.

“It’s working well and I’m really busy. I’ve got all the facilities I need in the unit and we make sure we are complying with all the regulations surrounding Covid-19.”