A BARBER shop has been opened in Alloa by two Syrian refugees just a year-and-a-half after they arrived to Clackmannanshire.

As reported last week, Mohamad Alwan and Neehad Othman were set to open their business on the High Street.

MSP Keith Brown was on hand last Friday, February 8, to cut the ribbon as the doors officially opened and was the first one to go under the scissors.

The Clackmannanshire and Dunblane representative said: "I was honoured to officially open the new shop today and to be their first official customer.

"For the Syrian refugees, restarting their lives in a new country could not have been easy, but Clackmannanshire has extended a warm welcome to all the families who have made their homes here and it is fantastic to see them playing an active part in their local communities."

Indeed, when previously speaking to the Advertiser, Mohamad said he had received some "excellent support", adding that he would not be where he is without local help.

Mr Brown added: "I wish Mohamad and Neehad every success for the future and it's always good to see another new business on our High Street."

Find Alloa Barber Shop under 22 High Street next to D'nisi Coffee.