Family, friends, carers and well-wishers all showed up at his home in Rutherglen to celebrate his birthday in style.

And also joining him at the house he called home since 1948, was South Lanarkshire Provost Margaret Cooper, who presented him with flowers, a special bottle of whisky and a certificate on behalf of the council.

Tom, who still plays the violin to the delight of his grandchildren, said: “I still remember the day I bought this house. We were staying just round the corner and I was chatting to the owner. She said she was moving away so I offered to buy her house there and then. And here I am 75 years on.

“I think my secret for making it to 100 is my family, especially my wife who always looked after us so well through all the ups and downs that life throws at you.”

Tom was born in Aberdeen on 28 September 1923, the second oldest of a family of eight. Charlie was the oldest and then Thomas followed by Betty, Stella, Elsie, Dorothy, William (Bill) and lastly George.

He met his wife, Margaret, through her brother Robert, in Dufftown. They married, in Dufftown before setting up home in Rutherglen when Tom joined local firm Danskin and Purdie as a quantity surveyor.

Tom and Margaret had three children Charles, Allison and Thomas. They became members of Rutherglen East Parish Church. Tom acted as the church’s Fabric Convenor for many years and Margaret was an enthusiastic member of the Women’s Guild.

Tom is a talented artist and a great music lover. And as well as the violin, he has been known to play the piano, the mouth organ, ukulele, penny whistle and the jaw’s harp! And he loved the Saturday night BBC Radio Scotland show Take the Floor, hosted by the great broadcaster Robbie Shepherd.

Tom also loves sport - everything from billiards, football, golf, swimming, tennis and badminton to rounders with his grandchildren.

But Tom is a modest man and rarely shows off his many talents. He loves his family and enjoys the times he spends with them.

If you would like the Provost to attend a Diamond Wedding or 100th birthday please get in touch with the Provost’s Office.