NO fewer than two barbers shops in Peebles have been shortlisted for a major award.

Both Off the Back Barbers and East Gentleman's Stylists have won through to the finals of this year's Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards.

Both Peebles outlets are in the running for the South East Scotland Best Barber title.

Stephen Mathison from Off the Back Barbers is delighted to be returning to Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow for this weekend's ceremony.

He told us: "When the call came through from the organisers that I had been nominated, I was so proud that my clients thought enough of me and my shop to take the time to vote.

"It has been a challenging couple of years since I was last at the Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards but I think the hard work and consistent approach to the service I provide to my clients has paid off."

Since being nominated in 2015 Off the Back Barbers has recruited Roxanne Linton.

Roxanne told us: ”It’s amazing to be involved with the Awards.

"We have worked so hard to be nominated and I am so happy to be going to the finals."

The Italian Job Barber in Galashiels has also been short-listed for the South East Scotland award.

The awards acknowledge and honour the many tireless individuals and establishments, whose sole aim is to always provide their customers with impeccable service.

Several other Borders businesses are also in the running for trophies.

Wilsons Hair from Melrose, Hobz Hair & Beauty from Kelso and Eyemouth's De'Luxe Hair and Beauty are all shortlisted for the South of Scotland Hair Salon of the Year.

And both Beauty Secrets from Hawick and Kelso's Roxburghe Beauty Clinic are short-listed for the Beauty Salon award.

Two Galashiels salons, Rendezvous and Millar's Hair Salon, have made it through to the last eight in the Customer Service award.

Creative Oceanic launched the official Hair & Beauty Awards in Scotland seven years ago.

Irfan Younis, CEO of event organiser Creative Oceanic, said: “These awards embody the strength of the Scottish hair and beauty industry.

"With tough competition this year, we wish all the finalists the best of luck and we are looking forward to welcoming them to another memorable and enjoyable event.”