Final journey as people pay their respects to top hairdresser

A town turned out in force earlier this afternoon to pay its last respects to a much-loved hairdresser.

Fittingly the cortege began its short journey to the funeral service from the salon where Kevin Finnell held court.

People stood solemnly on both sides of Cross Arthurlie Street in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire as the hearse slowly began Kevin's final trip.

A lone piper marched in front of the Mercedes bearing Kevin's bouquet-laden coffin.

Many of the dozens of people outside the salon were then going on to attend the service at The Hurlet crematorium on the other side of town.

Much loved - people were keen to pay their respects (Andrew Neil)

Kevin died in hospital after suffering a heart attack at the age of just 57.

The town of Barrhead is expected to come out in force on Monday to celebrate Kevin’s life.

His husband Brian MacMillan said last week that Kevin would have been “gobsmacked” at the reaction to his shock death.

Barrhead people and friends of Kevin had gathered to see him off (Andrew Neil)

Brian, who ran the K&M salon with Kevin, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you for all the comments, love and support myself, and the team have received from so many people.

“The flowers and cards have been truly overwhelming. Kevin would have been gobsmacked, and very proud, so thank you.

“Kevin will be leaving from our salon that he was so proud of."

Devoted to each other and their profession - Kevin, left, and Brian (Finnell/MacMillan family)

The family asked for donations to the Golden Jubilee ICU Endowment Fund.

Kevin had been in intensive care at the Clydebank heart specialist hospital when he died.

Brian, 48, added: “The ICU team that looked after Kevin was sensational and we’d like to donate towards their training and facilities in Kevin’s honour.”

A sad day as Kevin is given a fitting farewell (Andrew Neil)

Kevin died on St Valentine’s Day, a week after taking a heart attack.

The fun-loving hair stylist, who also lived in Barrhead, made his clientele feel like “a million dollars” in his salon.

Last year, F&M was named Best Local Salon in the UK-wide Salon Business Awards.

It styled itself as “East Renfrewshire’s premier hair salon” and was the area’s only hair firm rated five stars in the Good Salon Guide.

Kevin had gone into hairdressing after school and still thrived in the job four decades on.

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