Labour of love a thing of beauty for therapist

Fiona Thompson’s fascination with Crieff Hydro started as a girl. So when she changed career to become a beauty therapist, securing a position at the Perthshire resort was a dream.

Crieff Hydro was part of Fiona’s childhood. Growing up in Dunblane, she would make frequent visits to the resort for family holidays, parties and gatherings.

Now Fiona is manager of the resort spa where, she says, there is “never a dull moment but I love every part of it”.

If Fiona and the spa team of 10 aren’t treating guests to relaxing massages or rejuvenating facials, they can be found doing make-up for wedding and hen parties, and providing essential rejuvenation for corporate guests.

Fiona’s career in beauty therapy began after a year studying nursing.

She always knew she wanted to help provide rest, relaxation and wellness for people, she just didn’t know what form this would take.

Working on a busy Estee Lauder counter in Dundee helped her gain vital skills in the industry.

After a year Fiona was promoted to counter manager, then transferred to Debenhams in Perth.

Six years later she decided she had a real passion and love for beauty and enrolled in the three-year beauty programme at Perth College.

Fiona excelled and graduated top of her class, and it was during a work placement at Gleneagles she got her hospitality bug.

After a year as a spa therapist in another hotel, she joined Crieff Hydro.

“I feel that everything I’ve done in my professional career has built up to this,” says Fiona.

She started as a spa therapist, spending her first two weeks immersed in the world of Clarins learning treatments and products.

Fiona’s treatment and leadership skills were quickly recognised by her manager and over the last three years she has worked her way up to beauty expert, assistant manager and, now, spa manager.

Her rounded experience, from counter days to being a therapist, puts her in a strong position to manage the operations of the busy department, as well as knowing what the spa staff are going through on a daily basis.

“The level of training and support that has been provided to me over the years is invaluable,” says Fiona.

While Crieff Hydro may have an impressive pedigree – it opened as a hydropathic spa in 1868 – Fiona says it’s a fun, relaxed work environment.

When she makes the 25-minute commute from Perth to the 900acre resort, she admits she pinches herself.

She says: “I love my drive to work, it’s much better than a city commute.

“I get great views, the occasional slow tractor, and I am heading towards this grand, luxurious place that I had such fond memories of.”

There is “never a dull moment” for Fiona at Crieff Hydro.