Cammy Barnes attended Fife College on several occasions starting in 2013, studying barbering. He was based at the Kirkcaldy Campus (formerly known as St Brycedale Campus).
Cammy trained as a barber to ensure he “knew what he was talking about” before launching his business, opening ‘Barney’s Barbershop’ in Methil and Anstruther.
Although barbering was his trade, music was always his passion — his barbershop became a community hub where he often performed casually. He was cutting hair and entertaining locals, including Scotland rugby players before big matches.
During his early career, Cammy joined the Red Hot Chilli Pipers after touring with the Black Watch show. He spent eight years touring internationally with the band, even featuring on the soundtrack of How to Train Your Dragon 2, which was a highlight of his time with them.
After his time on tour, Cammy shifted focus to pursue his own solo career. He still occasionally performs with the Pipers, contributing to writing and PR or joining them for major gigs.
“Honestly, my time at Fife College was a game-changer. It wasn’t just about learning how to cut hair — it gave me valuable skills and the confidence to set up my own barbershop. But what was even better was how it connected me with the community. Being a barber meant meeting all sorts of people, having chats, and building a support network that’s been massive for me, especially with my music.
Having that qualification gave me the freedom to take risks and follow my dreams, knowing I had a strong foundation to stand on. That freedom made it easier to chase my music dreams without worrying too much. So yeah, the barbering course wasn’t just about the job, it was about giving me a stepping stone to go after what I love.”
Cammy Barnes has experienced a remarkable journey from his roots in Fife to becoming a celebrated singer-songwriter.
He shot to national fame as a semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent 2023, dazzling audiences with his soulful renditions. His heartfelt single “Bonnie’s Song” topped the UK iTunes charts, and hits like “Whiskey Roll” have cemented his place in the UK music scene.
Cammy’s powerful voice has captivated audiences at major festivals like TRNSMT, and he remains deeply connected to his roots as he mentors young musicians and champions local causes.
These highlights mark just the beginning of what Cammy sees as a long and exciting journey ahead
“Looking back, these moments have really kept me going and reminded me why I love doing what I do. It’s been a wild ride, but there’s still so much I’m excited to get stuck into.”
“I’m really excited about what’s coming next in my career. Getting to open for Amy Macdonald on her tour is a huge deal for me — it’s the kind of opportunity you dream about when you’re starting out. I can’t wait to get out there, connect with new audiences, and share my music on a bigger stage.
Beyond that, I’m excited to keep writing songs that mean something, to keep growing as an artist, and to keep pushing myself creatively. Music has always been about telling stories for me — stories that connect with people and make them feel something.”
“My advice to Fife College students would be to believe in yourself and make the most of every opportunity. The skills and confidence you gain here aren’t just about your course — they’re the building blocks for your future.
Don’t be afraid to take risks and follow your passions, even if the path changes along the way. Stay focused, work hard, and surround yourself with good people. Fife College gave me the tools to chase my dreams — and it can do the same for you.”
Related Courses
This course prepares individuals aged 16 and above for the modern barbering profession, focusing on practical and theoretical units. Participants gather evidence of skills and knowledge, working in pairs and bringing in models for assessment, to become junior barbers.