The teachers in this photograph are all sporting fetching moustaches for a very good cause - 'Movember', a month-long celebration of the 'tache to highlight men's health issues in general and prostate cancer in particular.
Muir Morton, a PE teacher at Dingwall Academy, explained, "I first became aware of the campaign when some sports teams got involved. Barry Wilson, the Queen of the South footballer, sent me a text about it and we took it upon ourselves to join the official Movember website.
"The campaign lasted for the whole of November. It was a novelty at first but it's starting to wear off now," he laughed. "Some people have told me it looks strange and members of staff have even asked me if I was going through a mid-life crisis."
"But I'm fairly pleased with my moustache, I don't think mine turned out too badly."
He added, "We've already raised over £230 but hopefully when more people read about what we're doing they will go online and donate."
Douglas MacIntosh, head of PE, said, "I've never had a moustache before. My wife Morag would never allow it.
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Dingwall Academy teachers who are growing moustaches in support of the Movember charity. They are, from left, Charlie McPhee, Douglas MacIntosh, Drew Graham and Muir Morton. Ian Rhind 01349 877218 |
"In fact, I'm lucky I'm still married, I haven't had a kiss for a month - she says my moustache is 'shambolic'. On a serious note, it's all for a fantastic cause, I think everyone knows someone who has either had cancer or has survived it. The more people who can get onto the site and donate the better. The national total will be massive."
The youngest member of the group. Charlie McPhee (20), also of the PE department said, "I'm getting some funny looks. The kids have been asking me if we're doing it for John Hartson. The fact it is raising the awareness amongst younger kids is ideal. When I put a pair of glasses on I get compared to Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez - but I don't think that's a good thing at the moment."
Drew Graham, teacher of the deaf, was nominated by the others as having the best 'tash. He said, "I had a goatie in the past so I thought I would just grow it again and take the middle bit out. It's less shaving as well - more economical. But it's getting too itchy now, to the point of annoyance. Come December it will be gone."
He added, "My wife Dee just laughs at me every time she sees me. People gave me funny looks to start with, but once they knew it was all for a good cause they just wanted to donate something."
The fifth member of the group is Keith Gilchrist, a teacher of the deaf, who was away on a course at the time of the group photograph.
Visit www.movember.com and click on any one of the above five names to make a donation.