There are still some services you cannot get from the internet

NEWS of the high street’s demise makes depressing reading.

But as anyone who gets their nails done in Dundee might agree – the future of our shopping centres is bright.

A few months ago, I decided to get my nails painted by a professional – or a nail technician if you will.

I popped into a nail bar on Union Street my mum had recommended.

All six nail technicians were busy with customers and with seven other women waiting, I was told I would have to wait for half an hour.

Not to worry, I thought, heading down the same road to another nail shop.

Alas, it was the same story and a very kind woman – sensing my desperation at having to pick the kids up in half an hour and with nails that should never be seen in public, let alone on the telly – said I could go before her.

It must be a one off, I thought – maybe there was a big night in Dundee and everyone was getting dolled up.

But when I repeated the experience three weeks later, the same thing happened. And then again, yesterday, almost exactly the same again.

This time round, I had a blissful 20 minutes to spare and decided to treat myself to a coffee.

Have you seen the dizzying number of coffee shops in Dundee city centre?

Henry’s, Costa, Starbucks, Nero, Patisserie Valerie (I swear I put on weight just by looking in the window – have you seen those cakes?) and loads of independents it’s crucial to support.

The internet might have accelerated the closure of some high street stores and chains but there are certain things the web cannot do.

It cannot do your nails or make you a latte with one of those pretty hearts in the froth.

It cannot cut your hair or serve you a pie or a pint and it cannot pour you a cocktail on a night out.

So it’s no surprise our city centre is jam-packed with bakers, nail bars, cafes, hair salons and bars.

The same is true to a large extent in the Ferry (cafes, bakeries and pubs) as well as Lochee High Street which excels in its choice of bakers and the Perth Road which is hairdressing central.

Our high streets are facing challenging times but it will take more than a little thing like the internet to conquer Dundee or Dundonians.

Seriously, www or whatever you call yourself these days: don’t mess.