Largs hairdresser Jamie helped the homeless on Christmas Day

Jamie Lindsay, who works at the town's Salon 17, was approached to be part of the Crisis UK charity's Edinburgh's Christmas team as their barber and hairdresser for the day, and was delighted to accept.

Jamie's whirlwind December 25 began with a briefing on the Royal Mile at 11am, before he began his hairdressing duties for the day - working his way through 16 clients, each one without a home of their own.

All the clients enjoyed a Christmas lunch and were looked after during the day by podiatry experts, a nail technician, a masseur and a reflexology expert.

Hair we go: Jamie was delighted to help Crisis charity (Image: Jamie Lindsay)

Jamie explained: "This is such a fantastic project to be involved with, and is an absolutely vital service, which is set to be expanding to Glasgow in the near future."

He revealed the opportunity to help came about after he spoke to one of his clients back home in Largs. 

They had helped Crisis in the past, and inspired Jamie to volunteer to do something similar.

Helping out: Jamie was involved throughout Christmas Day (Image: Jamie Lindsay)

He said: "She got a lot from the experience, and when I was told about it, it hit a nerve with me.

"It was definitely one of the most rewarding and totally humbling experiences of my life.

"From here on in it's my new Christmas Day - and I'll do more to help them if I can."

Jamie also thanked his Salon 17 customers for giving him support and, in some cases, donations ahead of the big day.

"My customers were very encouraging and supportive," he added, "with a few giving personal donations for the cause.

"It was a wonderful thing to be a part of, and I hope I can help again many times more in future."

Jamie is one of the best known and experienced hairdressers in town, having worked at Escaleras in Boyd Street and Reds in Frazer Street before his current role at Salon 17.

Crisis works at Christmas and all year round in Edinburgh to help people experiencing homelessness find their own stable home and access education and training.

Making a difference in society for the better (Image: Jamie Lindsay)

Every Christmas, local volunteers come together to provide warmth, companionship and vital services to people experiencing homelessness at one of the toughest times of the year.  

Volunteering opportunities can range from a few hours to multiple days and usually take place in the Crisis Skylight in Edinburgh, or in nearby community venues.

Crisis offer hot food, gifts and essentials and ensure people feel connected and cared for at what can be a very difficult time.