People: Fraser McInnes installed at the sharp end

FORMER Ayr resident Fraser McInnes has proven that he's a "cut above the rest" after being appointed the new "colour director" of the Sassoon salon in Edinburgh.

The hairdresser has returned to Scotland after shining in the role at Sassoon's salon in San Francisco for the past four years.

The former Belmont Academy pupil trained at the Sassoon academy in London a decade ago, after which he worked for two years as a colour technician in the chain's salon outside St Paul's cathedral. He then transferred to the Cardiff salon, moved to Sassoon's salon in Glasgow's Princes Square for three years and relocated to San Francisco, where he was promoted to assistant head of department.

He has met and worked with a number of celebrities including broadcaster Kay Adams, actor Adrien Brody, singer Sharleen Spiteri and Vidal Sassoon himself.

McInnes says: "This post will bring new challenges, which will include doing professional shows in the UK and Europe."

Moving down the high street from the hairdresser to the optician, Mark Ross has been named Black & Lizars' finance director.

Ross joins the 175-year-old chain from Macdonald Hotels and, together with operations director Tracy Galloway, he is charged with expanding the company.

Galloway says: "We are delighted to have Mark onboard and his appointment will definitely set us in continued good stead for progression. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge that we are looking forward to tapping into. His enthusiasm and passion for the company is already evident."

And our trip down the high street ends at the local charity shop, where law firm BTO has come onboard as the legal adviser in Scotland to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). BTO's team, led by partner Roddy Harrison, will provide a range of advice.

BTO chairman Willie Young says: "As one of the UK's best-known charities, the RNLI appointment is a coup for BTO. We have a profound admiration for the work done by RNLI volunteers."