DUNDEE’S RED BARON

Born in 1921, Broughty Ferry-raised George Thomson served Dundee East from 1952-72 before being made a baron in 1977

Educated at Grove Academy, George Thomson was the socialist who championed the right to join a union while working for DC Thomson, before later being awarded a life peerage.

Today’s main picture shows the politician and his wife Lady Thomson with pupils at Monifieth’s Seaview Primary during its annual prizegiving in June 1992.

Above left is an image from a ceremony held at Monifieth’s Gerard Hall in March 1973 when the freedom of the burgh was conferred upon Thomson. The former RAF recruit can be seen accepting the scrolls from provost of the day and his childhood friend Alexander Cameron Watt. Lastly, above right, it’s Lord Thomson – then chairmanelect of the Independent Broadcasting Authority – unveiling a gold disc at the official opening of Radio Tay at its North Isla Street studios in November 1980.

Shown from left are station chairman James Pow, Dundee’s freshly appointed lord provost James Gowans

and Lord Thomson.

PRIZE GUYS: Lord Thomson and his wife Grace present books to Seaview duxes Sarah Cruickshank and Ewan Clark in 1992.

Lord Thomson, right, at Radio Tay’s golden moment in 1980.

George Thomson, left, becoming a Monifieth freeman in ‘73.