As a kilt wearing window cleaner, David Nicholas is spreading extra sparkle round the streets of Aberdeen in more ways than one.
In fact, it’s impossible not to smile when seeing the positive reaction the 29-year-old receives as he scales the ladders, squeegee in hand.
Having launched his business, The Kilted Cleaner, during lockdown, David was determined to bring some cheer to people’s doorsteps.
“People say they think it’s amazing that I wear a kilt, they’re really impressed,” says David.
“So many people have told me that they were never looking for a window cleaner but seeing me in my kilt brought them so much joy that they ended up becoming clients.”
Story of resilience
The story behind David’s business is one of tenacity, focus, inner strength and most importantly true love.
Born in Argentina to a British father and Argentinian mother, David spent his childhood travelling the world.
“I grew up in international schools because my dad worked in oil and gas so he took us everywhere,” says David.
“We lived in 10 different countries which was really exciting.”
Scottish love affair
Everything for David changed when, at the age of 12, he moved to Aberdeen with his family.
“Without a doubt, Scotland is my favourite country,” says David.
“It’s why I chose to make it my home.
“As I tell everyone, Scotland is a very magical place with an incredible history, amazing people and great opportunities.”
After leaving Cults Academy, David initially worked in Next in Union Square before embarking on a three-month trip to South America to visit his family.
He then moved to France with his parents but missed Aberdeen so much that he returned and got a job in a bank.
El Salvador to Aberdeen
Taking the decision that banking wasn’t for him, David started window cleaning, initially working alongside his friend Ross Gibson who already had his own business.
Keen to expand his business skills even further, David moved to Edinburgh to study business management while juggling window cleaning on the side.
But the most important moment in David’s journey came when he met Alejandra, the love of his life.
“I met her in Houston, Texas, at a family barbecue,” says David.
“I promised her I would visit her in El Salvador where she was from and made it clear that I wanted to get to know her.”
Long distance relationship
Love blossomed for the pair with the couple initially setting up home in Argentina.
“We tried to create a life in Argentina but there wasn’t the opportunities there like the ones you can find in Scotland,” says David.
With over 5,000 miles separating the soulmates as Alejandra had to stay in El Salvador due to visa restrictions while David returned to Aberdeen, life wasn’t easy for the pair.
For two years the couple were forced to live apart before Alejandra was eventually allowed to move to Aberdeen in October last year.
“We had to make a lot of sacrifices but it was all worth it,” says David.
“She is a constant inspiration and motivation for me.”
The £35 kilt
As window cleaners were one of the few professionals allowed to continue working during the pandemic, David put everything into setting up his own business.
“When the news came out that window cleaners were allowed to work during lockdown, it was a sign that I needed to go out and put everything into window cleaning,” says David.
And with a deep love of Scotland, David decided that a kilt was to be his uniform.
“I always wanted to put on a kilt when window cleaning but I held back as I worried what people would think,” says David.
“But I love the kilt, I love Scotland so I put it on and created The Kilted Cleaner.”
Local soap star
Due to the unpredictable weather and the nature of his job, David didn’t fork out too much money on his kilt.
“Because I’m working outside, I didn’t want to get a specially made kilt because I knew it would get damaged,” says David.
“So I got one for £35 kilt and that’s now my uniform.”
With 651 clients on his books, business is positively booming.
But he said none of it would’ve been possible without Alejandra.
“I’ve been able to push through and do this work because of the love that I have for my wife,” says David.
“Everything I’ve done has been to create this life with her.”
Exciting plans
Celebrating their two year wedding anniversary just last week, the couple are more in love than ever as they make exciting plans for the future.
“We’ve got so many plans, we want to keep on investing in this business and hopefully buy our first home in three to five years time,” says David.
“Alejandra is keen that we expand into office cleaning and indoor cleaning so that’s something we’re looking in to.”
David is also keen to thank his dad Richard and brother Francisco for their stellar support.
“Their support has really helped me to push my business forward,” says David.
And when David and his wife aren’t working, they love to travel with Japan on the cards for June.
“We work Monday to Saturday non-stop so we can give ourselves a wee break,” says David.”
For more information about The Kilted Cleaner check out their Facebook page @thekiltedcleaner, website thekiltedcleaner.com or phone 07305 353536.
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