Tributes as Scotland’s oldest man dies aged 111

SCOTLAND’S oldest man, Alfred Smith from St Madoes, has died.

Alfred, known as Alf, turned 111 on March 29, the same day as Britain’s other oldest man, Robert Weighton.

Alf was born in Invergowrie in 1908, the fifth of six sons, to John and Jessie Smith.

He emigrated to Canada with four of his brothers in 1927 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 Isobel when he was 29. She died 16 years ago.

The couple had farmed at Kinfauns where they raised two children, Allan, who died in 2016, and Irene.

Alf retired at 70 but continued to go to the farm until well into his 80s.

He latterly lived with Irene, who confirmed he died in the early hours of yesterday of “old age”.

She said: “He was a good man who got on very well with everybody.

“Dad enjoyed talking about farming and worked at Goukton Farm, in Kinfauns, with his son Allan for 40 years.

“They never argued once in all that time. He will be missed in the community. He was an elder at Kinfauns Church until it closed in 1989, and attended St Madoes church after that. He was popular with his neighbours too, who kept an eye on him.

“He lived independently until he was 110, but he had started to get a bit slower over the last year.

“After he had a fall, he was in PRI and he got home on Friday. There were a few complications but he died of old age.”

Irene believes that Alf was the oldest Scot ever, despite being a smoker for more than 60 years.

Asked for the secret to longevity, Alf had 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?”

Alf shared his birthday with England’s oldest man Bob Weighton, also 111, from Alton in Hampshire.

The pair never met, but exchanged cards each year. It is not known which of the duo was born first.

The Rev 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.”

Alfred Smith died aged 111.