The Edinburgh Evening News Salon of the Year 2015 has been announced. If you haven’t heard already the winners are the wonderful Capelli Hair Design!

The winning salon was established nearly thirty years ago in Stockbridge by Armando Volpe. He grew up in impoverished post war Italy and began cutting hair aged 11. Despite a tough start he earned himself a place at the prestigious Schwarzkopf Academy in Turin before coming to Britain in 1965 to learn English and avoid national service. His plan to return to Italy changed when he met Catherine Wright. The pair married and had three children; their son Pierino now runs the salon. Although Armando never moved back to Italy he did train his brother in his craft and the family now have two salons in Turin.

Sadly Armando passed away two years ago. The announcement that Capelli had taken the crown came on the second anniversary of his death ­ an uplifting tribute on a sad day. A traditional Italian family man Armando worked hard to support his family who carry on his business today. They were delighted with the award and dedicated it to his memory. His son Pierino’s wife Marie told the Evening Times “Receiving the award on this date has big significance. His customers still tell stories about him. In the 1960’s he was as big as Charlie Miller.”

The founder was a well loved character and customers remember him fondly. Among his customers at least was a regal figure. Three times Armando was invited to Holyrood Palace to cut Prince Charles hair.

In June the salon was revealed with seventeen other shortlisters in the Edinburgh Evening News ­ some of the most talented and innovative salons in Edinburgh. Locals were then encouraged to vote both by the paper and through social media channels. The support that Capelli received secured them the winning spot and is an endorsement of the family’s ongoing work as well as the the man who started it all.