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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Jonathan Geddes

Legendary Scots hairdresser Rita Rusk passes away

Legendary Scottish hairdresser Rita Rusk has passed away at the age of 75.

The Castlemilk stylist was considered a pioneer in her field and was named Best Hairdresser in the world four times in her career.

Rita and her then husband Irvine opened their first salon in Lanarkshire, when they started up in Hamilton in the 1970s, before later expanding into Glasgow.

Among their clients were the Duchess of Kent and the actress Greta Scacchi, while in 1987 she was the first female and the only Scot to be named British Hairdresser of the Year.

Scores of tributes were paid to Rita after the news of her death last Thursday, December 29, was announced.

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing said she was a "legend" and a "true innovator" in the profession.

Alan Edwards, who runs a Glasgow salon, stated: "Innovating, designing, creating and inventing were only a few of the gifts Rita gave to our industry.

"I had the great pleasure of working with the Rusks for 10 years and will be forever grateful for the opportunity and skills I learnt from them. So many great hairdressers have come out of the fantastic Rusk stable and have passed on so much creativity and knowledge to many other hairdressers.

Many people have been remembering Rita Rusk (Facebook)

"Our industry was very blessed to have had such an incredible hairdresser leave her mark."

Taylor Ferguson, who runs a salon in Glasgow's Bath Street, said: ""We were friendly and respectful rivals in a tough market.

"Rita was always 100% focused and a highly motivated stylist. Our sympathy goes to her son James and his family."

In 2010 Ms Rusk lost her Hamilton salon and trading name following legal action by the taxman, and a dispute over unpaid tax.

However she continued to work in Glasgow.

She is survived by her son, James.

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