There cannot be too many nonagenarians who can claim to be at the cutting edge of their trade.
But Frank Martin from Tain, who turns 90 today, has been a barber within his local area since the age of 17.
After starting an apprenticeship as a young lad in October 1944 with a local barber, Mr Martin has persevered at his craft, continuing in his local shop to this day.
While working at his shop on Market Street, Mr Martin reminisced about how the business’s roots had developed.
He said: “I started 73 years ago on my 17th birthday. I was on an apprenticeship working with Kenny the Barber. I worked for him for five years and then I started working on my own.”
After learning the tricks of the trade, Mr Martin decided to go solo, building his own customer base in his first shop in Manse Street.
Thereafter, he moved to several different locations including owning a shed in Fearn before buying his current shop in Market Street 44 years ago.
Mr Martin added: “I have been here for over 40 years. I do it because of the public and to make my living, make my livelihood and doing as many (haircuts) as I can for as much as I can.
“Having a large family meant you had to work or you would starve.”
Mr Martin’s step-daughter Doreen Douglas, 73, spoke highly of what he had achieved in such a small town with quite a lot of competition.
She said: “You have to be proud of him. There are so many barbers and hairdressers in the town and he has fought against them all. Its great he has held down the job. His granddaughters, Selma, 47, and Hayley, 42, are both really proud of him.”
In honour of his achievements and contribution to the community, Mr Martin was presented with the Order of St Duthac Award in July 2016, being described as a “true legend” and an “utter superstar of the burgh”.
Mr Martin’s granddaughter, Selma Douglas, added: “I learned a lot about career dedication and loyal commitment from my granda, especially when I used to bob down to pick him up early from work but he used to tell me he can’t leave the shop until the minute of 5pm, in case a customer comes looking for a haircut at the last minute. Rain, hail or frost, he’s up and down the road to the shop and I’m so proud of all he does for both the community and for his family who love and admire him dearly.
“My granda is a selfless man who has been more than a grandad, but a dad, and a best pal in the whole world to me and to my sister and our children, and I felt so proud of him when he won the Tain Tolbooth award in July 2016.”
