The First Cut

Took George for his first haircut today, at this excellent place that specialises in cutting kids' hair.

With motorbikes and horses for the kids to sit on, and TV screens to distract them, it's a far cry from when my dad took me to Joe Buckle's barbershop. I remember being plonked on a plank placed over the arms of the chair, silenced with a boiled sweet, then unceremoniously shorn.

Today's trip was far less traumatic - but it's still a shock when a small boy emerges as the baby curls fall to the floor.

Later we met up with some old pals for a fab lunch at Vittorio's and a trip to the fairground in Princes Street Gardens. We've known their kids since they were babies, and now they're turning into young men - almost (but not quite!) too embarrassed to accompany our lads onto the rides.