Clydebank's Donald McMaster surrounded by loving family on his 100th birthday

Donald McMaster was born May 27, 1921. He joined the RAF as a young man and was posted to India in World War Two as a leading aircraftsman.

Soon after demobilisation, Donald married his sweetheart Georgina, and both still live in their home in Faifley today.

Donald worked as a process engraver in the newspaper industry until his retirement in 1986.

Donald is a well-known face in his home town and beyond, having worked as a TV and film extra, regularly appearing in Still Game, Taggart and other programmes, many of which are replayed today.

The couple had four children – Donald, Lynn, Ken and Gillian.

Donald turned 100 last week

Ken told the Post: “I can be sitting watching the tele and up pops Dad!”

One event Donald recalls before signing up for the RAF when he and his friend Jimmy were discussing where to go for a night out.

It was March 1941 and Donald wanted to go to the cinema while Jimmy wanted to go dancing at Wedderlea Hall. Donald got his way - and only later did they discover that the dance hall had been bombed in the Clydebank Blitz.

An estimated 36 people who were in the hall died, and Jimmy always maintained that Donald’s insistence on going to the pictures saved their lives.

Donald was also a long serving member of the Clydebank Male Voice Choir and remembers fondly the concerts they gave in the town and beyond.

Ken said: “Dad still likes to keep active and regularly tends to his garden.”

Of his memories Ken added: “We spent many a holiday in Millport - mum, dad and the weans – and now my own children take Donald’s great-grandchildren. It has been something of a tradition.”

Donald’s birthday celebrations were held at his granddaughter Lesley’s garden in Hardgate attended by members of his family and friends.

The former elder of Faifley Parish Church was given a huge surprise when members of the Royal British Legion turned up, piper and all, to present him with a commemorative medal for his service during the war.

Donald with Provost William Hendrie

And West Dunbartonshire’s Provost, William Hendrie, came along too, to give Donald a gift and a card from the local authority.

When asked about the secret of his dad’s long life Ken said: “He never smoke or drank and he has a large bowl of porridge every morning.”

Donald said: “I had a really wonderful day. And the sun shone too, which was a real bonus. My thanks go to everyone who made my day so special.”

Ken added: “The whole day was an outstanding success. Dad was well and truly honoured in fine style.

“I would like to thank everyone who made his day so memorable.”