A DUNFERMLINE hair salon owner will be part of a new book drawing attention to those working with their hands after going through difficult surgeries.

Douglas Barr, who owns Sheds Hairdressing on Guildhall Street, has a genetic condition called Dupuytrens Contracture, commonly known as Viking's Claw, which results in fingers bending towards the palm.

There is no cure but surgeries have meant that the he is able to continue in his role with little adaptations.

Douglas, 63, is now part of a book called Hands Reworked which pin points specific professions where hands are vitally important, having been asked to get involved by his consultant Jane McEachan.

He said: "Back in 2015 I had a problem with my pinky on my right hand and went to see about it.

Dunfermline Press: Sheds Hairdressing owner Douglas Barr with consultant Jane McEachan. Sheds Hairdressing owner Douglas Barr with consultant Jane McEachan. (Image: Contributed)

"The slang term for it is Viking's Claw, it's a genetic thing and it's reoccurring, I had surgery last year as well on my left hand.

"With my occupation it's not ideal.

"It's a progressive thing where your finger over a period of time bends in almost like a claw.

"You've just got to adapt, I've been hairdressing for 42 or 43 years now, so you can adapt but it comes a point where it needs fixed."

Viking's Claw, reportedly named as such because of its prevalence in those with a Viking ancestry, can be found in both hands at the same time and mainly affects the ring and little fingers, sometimes resulting in the finger becoming stuck.

Douglas continued: "Because it's an ongoing thing, I've got another finger now, over the years you build up a relationship with the consultant Jane McEachan so it was nice to get asked.

"They pinpointed different occupations where people need their hands to work, the whole thing about it is how people adapted before surgery and then how successful it was after it.

"The first time I got it done my finger was perfectly straight after it and functional, I had surgery again last January and it's all good as well."

Following both surgeries Douglas was forced to take seven weeks away from work, something he says he couldn't have done without his strong team behind him.

"The thing is that was on the back of two lockdowns where we were closed for 15 weeks in each one, so the timing wasn't great but it had to be done," he explained.

"There's a dozen of us in here so it's good to have that team rather than working alone in a salon with a chair.

"I think the crux of the book is to raise awareness for the types of surgery that they do, I think it's underfunded and undermanned.

"I'd imagine everyone was glad to get involved and very thankful to the surgeons, I certainly am.

"When you have a team round about you that makes it so much easier."

Hands Reworked, created by The British Society for Surgery of the Hand, is described as a "photographic exposé of hands following surgery".

It aims to showcase patients as well as those who have treated them and the impact injuries or conditions can have.

The book is available to order from The British Society for Surgery of the Hand website.