By Dave Lord

SCOTLAND’S OLDEST man, and one of the few remaining veterans of the first world war, has died at the age of 109.

Dundee-born Alfred Anderson, who lived in the Perthshire town of Alyth for many of his later years, passed away peacefully yesterday morning.

The Black Watch veteran lived in three centuries, survived two world wars, witnessed the reign of six monarchs and was governed by an incredible 26 prime ministers. His death is all the more poignant as it comes just days after the November 11 Remembrance Day parades.

Until very recently, Mr Anderson lived independently and had reached celebrity status.

It is believed his death brings the number of surviving first world war servicemen to eight.

The Rev Neil Gardner, of Alyth Parish Church, was a former Black Watch chaplain and knew Mr Anderson well.

“Alfred passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning,” he said.

“He was Scotland’s oldest man but remained lucid almost until the end. He was a very gracious and unassuming man. He lived a truly remarkable life.”

For many years Mr Anderson was a member of the congregation at Mr Gardner’s church.

“Alfred was quite philosophical about his wartime experiences—he was never up or down, he took everything in his stride,” said Mr Gardner. “He had a great sense of humour but also a terrific sense of wisdom which came from his great age.”

By the time war was declared in 1914 Mr Anderson was an experienced Territorial Army soldier. He was posted to Le Harve where he faced a constant barrage of shells and bullets.

He fought at the Battle of Loos and for a time served as batman to the late Queen Mother’s brother, Captain Fergus Bowes-Lyon.

On one occasion Mr Anderson lost many friends when, while entrenched on the Somme front, a shell exploded overhead.

He was injured after being hit by shrapnel in the neck and shoulder but managed to crawl to the officers’ dugout where a field dressing was applied to his wounds. He had to lie all day in agony, waiting for darkness when he could be removed by stretcher back to the trenches.

Invalided out of the army in 1916, Mr Anderson took over his father’s Newtyle joinery business.

He founded the British Legion in the village and trained the local football team. He was also involved with the Scouts.

Mr Anderson married Susanna Iddison in 1917. They had five children.

When the second world war broke out he joined the local defence volunteers, which later became the Home Guard—or “Dad’s Army” as he joked.

In 1977, Mr Anderson and his wife celebrated their diamond wedding with their big family of 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Sadly Mrs Anderson died two years later.

Mr Anderson continued to be active in the British Legion and attended every Remembrance Day service, laying the wreath, until he was 105.

He received the Legion d’Honneur from the French government in 1998 and in 2003 was named as Alyth citizen of the year.

When Mr Anderson reached 106 he enjoyed a surprise visit from Prince Charles.

He had learned of the Dundee veteran’s role as batman to his grand-mother’s brother and wanted to talk to him first-hand.

Mr Anderson recently recalled the visit.

“Prince Charles had a cup of tea and stayed an hour,” he remarked. “A right down-to-earth man he was. No fuss about him at all.”

For his next birthday, Charles sent a hand-written letter and a bouquet of roses.

Prince Charles yesterday urged the public not to forget the courage of the servicemen who gave their lives for our freedom.

He said: “I was very deeply saddened to hear that Alfred Anderson had died.

“I met Alfred on several occasions, once at his home in the small town of Alyth in Perthshire, and more recently at Balhousie Castle in Perth.

“As many in Scotland and beyond will know, he had a legendary reputation within The Black Watch and had a special connection with my grandmother’s family through his service with her older brother Captain Fergus Bowes-Lyon at the battle of Loos in 1915.

“He will be missed by many. We should not forget him, and the others of his generation who have given so much for their country.”

Mr Anderson was remarkably sprightly up until very recently and was hugely respected across Britain—his views often being sought by local and national media.

Fellow Alyth resident and Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser was sad to learn of the veteran’s death.

“Alfred Anderson was a remarkable man whose life spanned three centuries,” the politician said.

“He was one of the last few survivors of the first world war, and as such his opinions were regularly sought by journalists and documentary-makers.

“Despite his great age he lived life to the full and until very recently lived alone. It was only a decline in his health which led him to move into a nursing home where he spent the last few months.

“I send condolences on behalf of my colleagues in the Scottish Parliament to his family.”

Other local politicians also paid their respects.

“Mr Anderson lived a long and distinguished life, serving his country in the brutal first world war,” Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart remarked.

“His and other veterans’ sacrifice during the war ensured the freedom that we enjoy today.”

North Tayside MSP John Swinney said, “Mr Anderson was a truly great man.

“Along with his comrades at the age of 18 he fought bravely in the trenches of the Western Front.

“We must remember the real sacrifices he made for our current liberty.

“It is with great sorrow that I heard of his passing and my sympathies are with his family.”

Veterans’ Minister Don Touhig later said, “The sacrifices made and remarkable bravery displayed by Mr Anderson and his comrades is a lesson for us all.

“I am sure he will be greatly missed and, as the Minister for Veterans, I would like to pass on my condolences to his family and friends.”

The affection in which the town of Alyth held Mr Anderson was clear to see as a bust of him was unveiled at the the local library earlier this year.

To celebrate the 109-year-old’s birthday, the bust was revealed at a family celebration and will eventually be put on display at The Black Watch museum in Perth, further strengthening the bond between Mr Anderson and the regiment he served with such honour during the first world war.