'Eco-grandad' Tom Thomas a friend to the Maryburgh community hailed by locals after award of British Empire Medal
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TO some he is “eco-grandad” and trusty village gardener, to others a friend in time of need.
Fewer folk in Maryburgh, though, will know that 80-year-old Tom Thomas is also a helicopter crash hero.
In January 1990, when a chopper carrying three police officers and a civilian pilot plummeted out of control into a luxury block of flats, Mr Thomas didn’t flinch.
On the scene within seconds, his first impulse in the swirling snow was to run towards, rather than away from danger, before helping pull three survivors to safety.
Sadly, one police constable lost his life in the tragedy at Giffnock’s Eastwood Toll. No one else was seriously hurt.
Tom-Tom – as he is also affectionately known – later attended the Queen’s Garden Party and received a Chief Constable’s letter of commendation, but modestly declined a police bravery award.
It might be said the selfless act of bravery sums up the pensioner’s outlook on life.
Despite growing up in difficult circumstances in one of Scotland’s most deprived areas, West Pilton in Edinburgh, his first instinct has always been to help others.
A retired gardener, he raises funds and works to keep the village spruce and, when he can, shares his green-fingered ways with Ben Wyvis Primary children. He also acts as befriender for Highland Hospice and regularly visits others in need of friendship and support.
Those efforts have now earned him a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s birthday honours.
The much-loved village character, who himself survived cancer, said: “I’m taken aback, but delighted. People have been so kind. I’ve had lots of congratulations and cards. I haven’t been able to get up to the school because of the pandemic and I’m very much missing it.Being in the garden brings out the best in the kids. Some may be less academic, but what wonderful work they do. I don’t find befriending hard at all. I just be myself and chat away. I thoroughly enjoy it.”
Mr Thomas, also a community councillor, moved north 19 years ago to be close to daughter Lynn Thomson, a retired police officer. He credits helpers Eilidh Green and Fiona McHardy for keeping flowers blooming around the village.
Traci Payne, owner of the Cottage Bar and Restaurant in Maryburgh, first nominated Mr Thomas for royal recognition two years ago.
She said: “People like him often don’t get the recognition they deserve. It tends to be company directors or celebrities, not the guy who grew up with so little and gives the community so much.”
Catriona McDowall, acting head teacher at Ben Wyvis Primary, said: “Grandad Tom is an important part of Ben Wyvis Primary, sharing his enthusiasm for gardening. The children love working with him.”
Local minister, the Reverend Stephen Macdonald, said: “Tom continues to do a power of voluntary work in the community, and does it all with such a cheerful manner.Everyone at Ferintosh Parish Church is extremely proud of him.”
Highland councillor Angela MacLean, said: “As local members, he keeps us on our toes, that’s for sure! He has the biggest heart, really, and is well-loved and such a part of the fabric of the village.”
