Hard Luck Tattoo Studio in Kilmarnock reopens one month after fire destroys 'everything'

The owners of a tattoo studio destroyed by a fire have thanked the public after nearly £30,000 was raised, allowing it to reopen.

A fire tore through several buildings after taking hold of a four-story building on King Street, Kilmarnock, around 9pm on Monday, July 14.

Hard Luck Tattoo Studio, which had opened in the town centre building in June after a year of renovations, was one of the businesses affected.

Two 12-year-old boys were arrested and charged in connection with the fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

The building, once home to a number of businesses, was demolished over fears of further collapse.

Glasgow & West

Tattoo studio owners ‘lose everything’ after fire destroys four-storey building

Thousands of pounds have been raised to help Hard Luck Tattoo Studio in Kilmarnock which has been destroyed by a fire.

‘The worst month of my life’

Owner Niky Brown previously told STV News that he had “lost everything” in the fire, including equipment worth £50,000 to £60,000, and that a dozen tattoo artists had their livelihoods destroyed.

A GoFundMe was launched to help replace the tattoo equipment and allow staff to return to work.

After £28,405 was raised, the business announced it was able to reopen in a new location, Bank Place, on August 12.

He thanked everyone who supported Hard Luck Tattoo after the “worst month of his life”.

The building on King Street was demolished after the fire. STV News

A social media post read: “After probably the worst month of my life, we’re finally back in business.

“It’s been a very eventful experience renovating a full shop with next to no budget for eight tattoo artists, but we’ve done it. Thanks to everyone involved. The GoFundMe, all the tattoo brands, local businesses and tradesmen who helped us get back open.

“Also, a huge thanks to Killer Ink Tattoo, the biggest tattoo brand in the UK, for giving me a £1,000 voucher to buy tattoo equipment. This was a huge bonus to us all.

“I’ve been using their stuff for 15 years now. So thanks guys and I will see you at your next appointment. Got some more big news coming in a few weeks.

“Never let life get you down. You can come back. I promise!”