A TALENTED pair of barbers have been nominated for prestigious hairdressing awards.

Davie Walker and Stephanie Fleming, who both hail from Paisley, work at Davie the Barbers, in Grahamston Road, Barrhead.

And they aim to prove they are a cut above the rest after being named as finalists in the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards (SHABAs).

To be held in Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel on Saturday, September 16, the awards are Scotland’s largest independent celebration of the hair and beauty industry.

Davie is in the running for the Best Male Barber title, while Stephanie has been nominated in the Best Female Barber category.

As well as the individual awards, the business itself is a contender for the Best Barber Shop prize.

Store owner Davie said: “It would be great to bring all three home but we are up against some fantastic barbers.

“It’s great to be nominated. Now it all comes down to one photograph for both of us, one style.

“I have been considering the classic gentleman look and some Polynesian styles.”

Davie also spoke of his pride at Stephanie’s nomination, as she was one of the first barbers to be trained in his shop.

He added: “This is a big moment for me. Steph is a fantastic barber. Hopefully, if anyone wins, it will be her as I have seen her progress here and I am very proud.”

The nomination for the Best Barber Shop title comes at a time when Davie is leading the way in his industry through his work with the autistic community.

He is a member of the Autism Barbers Assemble organisation, which offers safe spaces for those with the condition to get their hair cut.

Along with a number of colleagues across the UK, Davie opens up his store after hours to provide an opportunity for families to come in without fear of being judged.

He said: “It is your clients who nominate you, so it is brilliant to be recognised in this way.

“People in Barrhead have been amazing since we moved here from Paisley.

“After our recent work with autistic children was highlighted, we have had six more families come to us – and that is really great to see.

“With the Best Barber Shop category, this will all come into consideration, so I’m hoping that getting involved in the community will help.”