YER da’ may well sell Avon but he’s also helping to shape the future of Scotland.

Douglas Ruffhead, 49, has been supplying beauty products and make-up on Dunfermline doorsteps for 12 years and he’s hoping his other role will help the country look a lot better too.

The Avon rep is one of more than 100 people chosen at random from across the country, and from all walks of life, to be part of the Citizens Assembly Scotland, set up last year as a different way of doing politics.

The married dad-of-three, who lives in Duloch, explained: “A market researcher came to the door last year and asked if I wanted to be part of a focus group between October and April.

“It’s a cross-section of the population and we’re asked our views on what could be done to make Scotland a better place to live.

“It’s been great. None of us knew each other before but we’re like one big happy family now and you get the feeling your opinion matters.”

They assemble at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel in Glasgow and are split into smaller groups to discuss different topics before presenting final recommendations – fresh perspectives that will eventually go before the Scottish Parliament.

So far, they’ve called for a new and fairer tax system, investment in energy-efficient technology and a 30-year national plan, as well as measures to tackle climate change, bring in fairer employment and an improved and state-owned public transport system.

They’ve also backed a ban on zero hours contracts, supported the implementation of the living wage, the decriminalisation of some drugs and a review of the council tax.

It’s all about key challenges and opportunities for Scotland with politicians from all parties giving their thoughts to the assembly while experts are on hand to inform and explain complex areas such as the tax system.

Currently suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, it will return.

Douglas added: “You arrive on Friday evening, have dinner together and then on Saturday you’re told what’s going to be talked about.

“We’re split into smaller tables of 10; we’re all from different areas and different ages, from 16 to retired people, and we all have different viewpoints.

“Eventually, there’s agreement on how to proceed, a number of statements are drawn up and you vote for the ones that should take priority.

“The first weekend, I didn’t know if it would be worthwhile but it’s gathering pace and you see the direction it’s going in; our views will be presented to Nicola Sturgeon about how to take Scotland forward.”

It’s a change of pace from trying to sell perfume and make-up but Douglas isn’t bothered in the slightest about working in what’s seen as a woman’s world.

He explained: “In Dunfermline I’m known as ‘Avon man’!

“About eight years ago, there was only two of us men doing it in Scotland but I thought it was great.

“It’s a female-dominated business so when you’re at events and conferences, it’s just me and 100 women in a room. It doesn’t bother me!

“It actually helps as some male customers feel awkward about buying stuff for their wife or girlfriend so I secretly do it on their behalf!”

His work does give him the freedom to take part in the assembly although he admitted: “My kids just think I’m away for a jolly.

“But it’s good to be involved in something that should make our lives better.”

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