A POPULAR Gourock barber who has been a cut above for more than 30 years is packing away his comb and scissors for the last time. 

Cormac McGlone, who owns and runs Gatsby's on Shore Street, has decided to retire at the age of 75. 

The well-known barber says the time is right for him to tender his last trim and move onto a different style of life. 

Cormac, who opened the shop in 1993, will be retiring at the end of February.

He said: "I've absolutely enjoyed every minute of it, through all the ups and downs. 

"The shop and the job owe me nothing now. 

"I just know it's the right time to go."

Cormac, who is originally from Dublin, worked in McVey's barbers in Kilblain Street in Greenock for 15 years before striking out on his own in the Shore Street premises. 

Greenock Telegraph:
He came up with the name Gatsby's while he was viewing an iconic 1970s film. 

Cormac explained: "I was watching the film The Great Gatsby with Robert Redford and there was a scene where he had a really good short back and sides. 

"It occurred to me that Gatsby's would be a great name for a barber's and it all went from there."

The store had previously been a hospice charity shop called Treasure Trove, and a wool shop, before becoming a barber's. 

Cormac said it was initially challenging going from working as a barber in another shop to stepping out on his own. 

He said: "It was difficult at first, but the customers soon started coming in. 

"I used to go out and cut hair for people who were housebound too. 

"I got to know so many people."

The popular barber says the best bit of the job has been getting to know families from all over Inverclyde.

Cormac added: "Fathers would come in with their sons. 

"Guys in their thirties who come in still make sure they take a lollipop on their way out.

"I've been here for so long that unfortunately you do hear about people passing away, which is the worst part of the job."

Cormac worked on his own for a couple of years before taking on some stylists. He has mentored people over the years who have gone on to set up their own businesses. 

In his retirement, Cormac is looking forward to going out on his Triumph motorbike, holidaying with his wife Helen, and doing some gardening.

He says he would love to see the shop continue as a barber's.

The businessman said he's very proud that Gatsby's has 'held its own' even with scores of additional barbershops opening up in the area and he hopes that someone will follow in his footsteps.

Cormac added: "I would love someone to take it on. 

"It's been part of my life for such a long time and has been a big part of Gourock as well. 

"It's definitely the end of an era. 

"I want to thank all of the customers who have supported me over the years."