Comedian Lenny Henry has launched this year's Scottish Comic Relief Red Nose Day in Edinburgh.

This year's campaign entitled The Big Hair Do is aimed at encouraging people to change their hairstyle to raise cash for charity.

It has previously raised more than �6 million for charities north of the border.

The comic said he intended to "coerce" the UK's 35,000 professional hairdressers to sharpen their scissors for charity.

I might just shave my hair and have a Cleopatra's Needle instead Lenny Henry

This year's Red Nose, which sprouts a tuft of red hair, was described by Henry as "looking like an embarrassed hirsute Ainsley Harriott".

He added: "Kids like to wear wigs and dress up and act silly so this is the perfect opportunity."

The comedian said he would probably style his own hair into an Afro, adding: "I might just shave my hair and have a Cleopatra's Needle instead".

'A bit of fun'

Celebrity hairdressers Nicky Clarke and Trevor Sorbie will be involved in the campaign as will members of the cast of Channel 4's The Salon.

Henry said Scotland was "really, really important to Comic Relief's efforts".

He said hundreds of projects, including domestic violence refuges and projects for people suffering from dementia have benefited.

The comic was accompanied at the launch by Comic Relief chief executive Kevin Cahill and Scotland's Social Justice Minister Margaret Curran.

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Ms Curran said: "I think Comic Relief do the one thing that politicians cannot do, they make it a bit of fun."

Earlier in the day, Henry and Harry Potter author J K Rowling had visited the Women's Aid Refuge in Edinburgh, which receives funding from the Red Nose charity.

He said: "I am constantly amazed each year to see what a difference Comic Relief cash makes to the lives of people both here in the UK and in Africa.

"It makes me very proud to see the work in Scotland.

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"These women have real strengths and it was very moving to talk to them in a place where they can feel safe."

Comic Relief will culminate on 14 March with a night of comedy on BBC1 starring big names including Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton.

Henry will also be involved in the broadcast.

It will feature Comic Relief Does Driving School, in which celebrities including Gareth Gates and Jade Goody will take driving lessons and take their test before Red Nose Day.

Red Noses are available online at www.rednoseday.com, and donations can be made on 08457 910 910 or via the website.