Iconic Edinburgh hair stylist Charlie Miller dies after Alzheimer’s battle

Mr Miller was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015 | The Scotsman

The family of one of Scotland's most famous hair stylists, Charlie Miller, has announced his death at the age of 80.

In a statement posted online, Charlie Miller Salons said Mr Miller died peacefully and surrounded by his family on Monday.

It said Mr Miller was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015 and spent the last three years of his life in the Queen’s Manor Care Home in Edinburgh.

Mr Miller received an OBE in 2012 | The Scotsman

The post read: “Charlie’s warmth, vision, and unwavering dedication to his craft and community touched the lives of so many - colleagues, clients, and friends alike.

“His legacy lives on in every salon chair, every team member he inspired, and every client who felt his passion for excellence and kindness, delivered with genuineness, empathy and warmth.

“We are heartbroken as we extend our heartfelt condolences to Janet, sons Jason and Josh, daughter-in-law India, his four grandchildren Isha, Isaac, Eden and Olivia, sister Helen, and the wider family.”

Charlie Miller Salons posted the announcement on behalf of his family | The Scotsman

Mr Miller, whose salons are spread across Edinburgh, received an OBE for services to hairdressing in the Queen's 2012 New Year's Honours List. His career spanned almost six decades.

His sons and Managing Directors, Jason and Josh Miller, who have led the brand since 2009 said: “We’re heartbroken to share the news of our dad’s passing.

“Charlie was so much more than the name above the door – he was a force of creativity, integrity, and love.”

“He built something truly special: not just a business, but a family. We’re proud to be his sons, and to carry forward the legacy he began.”

Hundreds pay tribute to Charlie Miller

Since Charlie Miller Salons post on social media, hundreds of friends and customers have paid tribute.

Grace Durham posted: “Charlie was an inspirational man. He started cutting my hair in 1978 and I am on my third CM hairdresser since then.

“In the early 1980s, I tore a ligament in my knee. Charlie heard about this and rang up asking me to come into the salon.

“He gave me a cut and blow dry ‘on the house’ to ‘cheer me up’. That was typical of Charlie: kind, thoughtful and gentle. I am grateful to have had him in my life.”

Meanwhile, Victor Spence added that he had known Charlie for the past 25 years. Mr Spence added that he would miss Mr Miller’s support.

He said: “Words for me can never convey the depth of gratitude I have for Charlie Miller.

“I have and will miss his great support, love and kindness for my life in the short 25 years of knowing him.

“I bow deeply to his being and presence. He has lovingly touched the lives of so many people directly and indirectly.

“The best dressed man in town and a great man has been lost to Edinburgh and the global world of hairdressing alongside his wonderful pal Tom Farmer.

“It’s quite amazing that these two great men and great friends to each other have passed from this world within eight weeks of each other.

“I hope Charlie’s wife Janet, his immediate and wider family and close friends are comforted with the outpouring of love and affection for Charlie.”