THEY may have gone out of fashion years ago, but for thousands of men in Edinburgh the moustache is set to make a return.
As part of the Movember campaign, more than 1000 men in the Lothians have already agreed to give up their top lip throughout November in the name of charity.
The idea began five years ago in Australia to raise money for prostate cancer and after
becoming popular amongst rugby players it generates millions of pounds for the cause.
Now, largely thanks to the Capital's sizeable Australian population, charity organisers have appealed to even more city residents to get on board for the campaign, which will culminate in a huge party at a city centre venue on November 30.
The founder of the event has even travelled to Edinburgh to raise awareness as he sees it as one of the areas where the scheme could really take off.
Justin Coghlan was sitting in a pub one Sunday afternoon with friends back in Australia when they decided on the project.
"We just thought prostate cancer is a risk to guys and their dads, and what could we do that isn't done anymore that our dads did," he said.
"The answer was to grow a moustache. You hardly see them any more, and why should women get to live longer than us? There's so much about breast cancer but you don't hear so much of this, even though it is such a massive killer."
Within a few years, Movember had taken hold and it is already easily the biggest earner for prostate cancer research in Australia, having raised $21 million in the last few years.
The rules are simple. Begin the month of November bare faced, and spend the following 30 days crafting a moustache, gaining sponsorship in the process.
Mr Coghlan said he hopes the event becomes as popular here as it is in Australia, where it is common for an entire company or organisation to take part.
It wasn't so straightforward for David Ross, 28, a IT service delivery manager for the National Archives of Scotland, who took part last year thanks to his Australian flatmates.
Mr Ross, who lives off Leith Walk, said: "I definitely got strange looks walking down the street during Movember last year which made me laugh, and some Aussies commented on the "mo" and knew what I was up to.
"Unfortunately, I had to attend a series of department head meetings that month in work.
Although no-one commented. I think they might have been scared to point out how silly I looked for fear that I might have been serious!I'd recommend that others participate in Movember as it's a great laugh, especially if others around you join in.
"Also, in raising money for a prostate cancer charity, you would be contributing to a good cause."
A style guide for moustaches has even been produced, featuring mousers called the Regent, the Major, the Sanchez and the Trucker.
Last year, members of the Edinburgh Rugby Club took part in the event, with 35 players enhancing their facial hair for the month.
To get involved, visit www.movember.com
The full article contains 535 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
