71-year-old Scottish barber hangs up his scissors after over 350k haircuts

He’s done them all, from short back and sides to mullets and perms.

And now, one of Scotland’s longest-serving barbers is hanging up his scissors after 57 years in the business.

Milson Orr, 71, has completed more than 350,000 haircuts and was only 15 years old when he made his debut in 1962, cutting the hair of his uncle, miner Frank Franklyn.

He invited Frank, now 95 years old, to be his last ever customer before retiring from his job at Tron Barbers in Tullibody, Clackmannanshire.

“I left school at 15 and the headmaster would tell you what jobs were available in the town,” said Milson.

“I wanted to be a joiner but by the time I got there I was fourth in line. I was standing there in the queue when the barber next door came out and asked ‘would you like a job, son?’ He said he chose me because I was the only one wearing a collar and tie.

“My Uncle Frank was my first ever haircut so it seemed only right to make him my last. He’s been a loyal customer for 57 years, although I don’t actually charge him as he’s been there for me in so many other ways.

“I’ve seen every style under the sun during that time, from the Beatles to the mods and the rockers.

“At one point I had queues of 100 people waiting for a David Bowie haircut.

“There was also a time in the seventies when everyone was growing their hair and barbers were closing down all over the place. We had to diversify to survive and, for a while, half the room was a sports shop.

“What the kids want now has come full circle — a smart short back and sides.”

Milson has cut almost every male head of hair in Tullibody, with regular customers from nine months old upwards.

He said he was honoured to make Mr Franklyn both his first and last customer. But he revealed there was pressure to make his relative look his best.

He said: “My Uncle Frank has always had a very smart trim, but when he was younger he had beautiful wavy blonde hair.

“His nickname was The Prince because he was so good looking and I always took a pride in doing his hair — as I did with all my customers.

“But I’m nearly 72 years old now and I’m looking forward to spending some time fishing.”

The business is being taken over by Colleen Hislop, 34, and Lorraine Jack, 33, who both trained under Milson.

Colleen said: “Milsy taught us everything we know. We’re renaming the name of the shop from Tron Barbers to Goodfella’s but I’m sure everyone will continue to know it as Milsy’s.”

Milson added: “It makes me proud to pass the business on to Colleen and Lorraine.”

Frank, 95, said: “Milson was a young boy serving his apprenticeship when he first cut my hair.

“He’s always done a good job and I’ve never had to pay in 57 years.

“Hopefully he’ll let me come around his house when I need another cut.”