A group of Inverness firefighters are seeking special permission to grow beards to help raise money for the Raigmore Children’s Ward Appeal.
Health and safety guidelines require firefighters wearing breathing apparatus to be clean-shaven to ensure the equipment works effectively.
But 12 men based in the Highland Capital are hoping for special dispensation so they can take part in the Beards For Bairns sponsored challenge which urges men to discard their razors for one month between Christmas Day and Burns Night on 25th January.
The challenge has been issued by the ARCHIE Foundation which launched the £1 million fund-raising appeal in conjunction with The Inverness Courier to create a world-class centre for sick children.
The men, who include firefighters from different watches plus some officers, have written individually to senior management seeking permission to grow goatee beards.
Firefighter Mike Bond is among those waiting to hear whether he can keep his facial hair.
"A full beard interferes with breathing apparatus but with a goatee beard you can still get a seal without it interfering with the apparatus," he said.
He said although there are no firefighters with beards, they hope to be given the go-ahead as it is for charity.
"It is such a good local cause," Mr Bond said. "It is for sick kids on the children’s ward."
The challenge has already been taken up by Inverness Caledonian Thistle which could become the first football club to turn out a fully-bearded team.
Members of the Scottish Premier League side, including manager Terry Butcher, are set to discard their razors next week and are urging other men in the Highlands to follow suit.
Several volunteers at Scottish Provincial Press, publisher of The Inverness Courier, have also been persuaded to sign up by advertising manager Steve Barron. Courier reporter Andy Dixon will also be taking up the challenge.
"I think there will be a bit of rivalry as to who can grow the most substantial beard," quipped Mr Barron who reckons his colleagues may see a new Robinson Crusoe look.
"I have only grown on a beard on holiday — I shave it off before I come back to work."
*Anyone wanting to take part needs to register by 23rd December by contacting the ARCHIE Foundation office on (01463) 888258, or emailing allana@archiefoundation.org.uk
Participants will be sent an information pack plus a special badge to help explain their designer stubble.
