IT celebrates its 10th birthday this year.

And now owner Stephen Mathison has a double reason to celebrate, as his barber shop in Peebles has been nominated for a prestigious national award.

Off the Back Barbers has been nominated for Best Barber2015 at the upcoming Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards, due to be held at a lavish ceremony in Glasgow this weekend.

He is the second entry from Peebles, with Nicola Couperthwaite, who owns At First Sight, in contention for Beautician of the Year. Her salon is also in the running for Beauty Salon of the Year. A fourth entry from the Borders, Enhance Beauty and Tanning in Galashiels, has been nominated in the Team/ Service of the Year category.

Speaking to the Peeblesshire News, Stephen said: “I honestly thought it was a wind up, when I was first told. It was actually Nicola who got in touch. She said 'I see you are in the awards' and I thought she was pulling my leg.

"I'm not sure which customer nominated me, so to receive the phonecall was quite a shock. Whoever it was, I'd like to thank them.”

The modern take on the traditional barbershop has proved very popular in the region since it first opened its doors in 2005. It boasts a comfortable waiting area, music, up to date copies of Top Gear, Digital Photo and other magazines and free WiFi for all its customers.

The fifth annual awards is a platform to thank those in the hair and beauty industry, letting them know that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. “The event promises to be as glitz and glam as the individuals and salons its acknowledging,” said Irfan Younis, of event organisers Creative Oceanic.

Stephen and Nicola will both be attending the awards which will be held at the Crown Plaza in Glasgow this Sunday, November 29.