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| Tributes paid to Scotland's oldest man Alfred Smith | Tributes paid to Scotland's oldest man Alfred Smith |
| (about 16 hours later) | |
| Scotland's oldest man, Alfred Smith, has died at the age of 111. | Scotland's oldest man, Alfred Smith, has died at the age of 111. |
| Mr Smith, known as Alf, celebrated his last birthday on 29 March, the same day as Britain's other oldest man, Robert Weighton. | Mr Smith, known as Alf, celebrated his last birthday on 29 March, the same day as Britain's other oldest man, Robert Weighton. |
| The former lorry driver and farmer, from St Madoes, Perthshire, died on Saturday night. | The former lorry driver and farmer, from St Madoes, Perthshire, died on Saturday night. |
| Councillor Eric Drysdale paid tribute to Mr Smith, who credited porridge and having an enjoyable job for his long life. | Councillor Eric Drysdale paid tribute to Mr Smith, who credited porridge and having an enjoyable job for his long life. |
| The SNP Perth and Kinross councillor tweeted: "Sad to hear this morning that Scotland's oldest man, Perth and Kinross based Alf Smith of St Madoes has passed away aged 111 years and 128 days. | |
| "When he was 100 he bought a new washing machine and decided on a 10 year extended warranty! Optimism seems to be the key to a long life." | "When he was 100 he bought a new washing machine and decided on a 10 year extended warranty! Optimism seems to be the key to a long life." |
| 'Wonderful character' | 'Wonderful character' |
| His minister, The Reverend Marc Bircham of St Madoes and Kinfauns Parish Church, said: "Alf was a wonderful character who brought great joy to all who had the privilege of knowing him. | His minister, The Reverend Marc Bircham of St Madoes and Kinfauns Parish Church, said: "Alf was a wonderful character who brought great joy to all who had the privilege of knowing him. |
| "A great supporter of the local church, he served as an Elder for many years. | "A great supporter of the local church, he served as an Elder for many years. |
| "It has been a great privilege to be both his friend and his minister. Family, neighbours and his many friends will miss him greatly." | "It has been a great privilege to be both his friend and his minister. Family, neighbours and his many friends will miss him greatly." |
| Mr Smith was born in Invergowrie in 1908, the fifth of six sons to John and Jessie Smith. | Mr Smith was born in Invergowrie in 1908, the fifth of six sons to John and Jessie Smith. |
| He was educated at Invergowrie Primary School and Harris Academy, Dundee. | He was educated at Invergowrie Primary School and Harris Academy, Dundee. |
| In 1927 he emigrated to Canada, along with four of his brothers, but returned after five years and went on to drive lorries for his brother, George. | In 1927 he emigrated to Canada, along with four of his brothers, but returned after five years and went on to drive lorries for his brother, George. |
| During the Second World War, he was in the Home Guard, and married wife Isobel when he was 29. | During the Second World War, he was in the Home Guard, and married wife Isobel when he was 29. |
| Porridge fan | Porridge fan |
| The couple went on to farm at Kinfauns where they raised two children, Irene and Allan. Mrs Smith died more than 14 years ago, aged 97. | The couple went on to farm at Kinfauns where they raised two children, Irene and Allan. Mrs Smith died more than 14 years ago, aged 97. |
| His son Allan, who worked with his father on the farm for 40 years, died in 2016. | His son Allan, who worked with his father on the farm for 40 years, died in 2016. |
| Mr Smith retired at the age of 70 but continued to go to the farm until well into his 80s. | Mr Smith retired at the age of 70 but continued to go to the farm until well into his 80s. |
| Once asked for his secret to a long and happy life, Mr Smith said: "Porridge is helpful and having a job you enjoy. | Once asked for his secret to a long and happy life, Mr Smith said: "Porridge is helpful and having a job you enjoy. |
| "I like to think I've lived a decent life. I do ask myself - why me? Why have I lived so long when others haven't?" | "I like to think I've lived a decent life. I do ask myself - why me? Why have I lived so long when others haven't?" |
| Mr Smith was very active in the Church of Scotland, having joined after leaving the Free Church in 1945, and was presented with a lifetime of service award from the Kirk moderator in 2017. | Mr Smith was very active in the Church of Scotland, having joined after leaving the Free Church in 1945, and was presented with a lifetime of service award from the Kirk moderator in 2017. |