WAR veterans gathered for an emotional viewing of a collection of portraits that mark 100 years since the First World War ended.

Soldiers from Maryhill to Milngavie gathered in Clydebank Museum and Art Gallery to preview the exhibition, which runs from now until January 12 next year.

Artist Tom McKendrick hopes the images will ensure the servicemen and women are remembered on Armistice Day.

However, for one family the event was tinged with sadness as 97-year-old Sergeant Allan McKinlay died before he was able to see his portrait.

When war broke out, the Clydebank native travelled to Bellahouston Park against his mother’s wishes to join No 12 Anti-Aircraft Division of the British Army and he never looked back, going on to become Divisional Superintendent of Dumbarton police after leaving the army.

His son George, who travelled to the event with his nephew Kyle, said: “His mum wanted him to get a trade or go into the shipyards but he wanted to be in the army.

“He never missed an Armistice Day and last year we came here as Kyle was marching with the Air Cadets when we met Tom. He said my dad must have a story to tell, given all his medals, and asked if he could paint him.

“My dad said, ‘What’s that going to cost me?’ – typical policeman. He died on March 7 and we went to Tom’s house to collect a copy. It was amazing. It was just like being in a room with my dad again.”

Many of the veterans became involved thanks to Peter Shields MBE, QGM, who works with a charity for veterans who have lost limbs.

The Yoker-raised Lieutenant Colonel received the Queen’s Gallantry Medal after helping soldiers to safety when ammunition and supplies caught fire in Kuwait in 1991.

The 68-year-old said: “None of us are special but everyone here has a story to tell. This is a chance for the public to remember we’re out there doing the work to keep people safe.”

Corporal Mick McConnell also made the trip for the exhibit.

The former Clyde shipyard worker had his leg amputated after stepping on an IED while working in Afghanistan in August 2011 as a Royal Air Force Police Ams and Explosives Search Dog Handler.

“It means the world to know we’re not forgotten,” he said.