"Ron was born in Springburn in 1940 and went to Albert Secondary School, where he excelled in sports, being Junior Sports Champion and later Football Captain. I attended Albert Primary, but only spent a short time at Albert Secondary school with Ron, as I left for Allen Glen's in 1952. I still continued to see Ron for a few years, as we played cricket together.

I remember him as an outstanding sportsman and very easy going, friendly person - the nearest thing to a "Jimmy Stewart" kind of guy that you could meet. It was obvious that he had a bright future. I left for Canada in 1965, but was not surprised to later learn of Ron's outstanding achievements in industry and public life.

Ron was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 1984. He was awarded the CBE in 1986 and a Knighthood in 1994.

Sir Ron became Chief Executive of the Weir Group PLC in 1982 and Chairman in January 1999 - a company he joined as a graduate trainee in 1962. He also served as Deputy Chairman of Scottish Enterprise from 1992 to 1996 and is a former Director of Shell UK and Scottish Power PLC.

In September 2001, following the merger of Bank of Scotland and Halifax, Sir Ron was appointed a Non-executive Director of HBOS PLC and in January 2003, he became Deputy Chairman of HBOS PLC."

"Thanks williedee - I noticed Ron in that photo. He is also in several "big" Albert photographs as captain of the football team."

"It was a little longer than your favourite trip "doon the watter" on the Waverly - and it's always good to get a welcome home. Thanks Mr. T."