Dundee-born Alfred Anderson, who lived in Alyth for many of his later years, passed away peacefully at his Newtyle care home this morning.

The Black Watch veteran lived in three centuries, survived two world wars, witnessed the reign of six monarchs and was governed by 26 Prime Ministers.

His death is all the more poignant as it comes just days after the November 11 Remembrance Day parades.

It is believed Mr Anderson’s death brings the number of surviving World War 1 servicemen to eight.

Reverend Neil Gardner, of Alyth Parish Church, was a former Black Watch chaplain and knew Mr Anderson well.

“Alfred passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning,” he said.

“He was Scotland’s oldest man but remained lucid almost until the end. He was a very gracious and unassuming man who lived a truly remarkable life.”

For many years Mr Anderson was a member of the congregation at Mr Gardner’s church.

“Alfred was quite philosophical about his wartime experiences — he was never up or down, he took everything in his stride,” he said. “He had a great sense of humour but also a terrific sense of wisdom which came from his great age.”

By the time war was declared in 1914 Mr Anderson was an experienced Territorial Army soldier.

He fought at the Battle of Loos and for a time served as batman to the late Queen Mother’s brother, Captain Fergus Bowes-Lyon.

On one occasion Mr Anderson lost many friends when, while entrenched on the Somme front, a shell exploded overhead.

He was injured after being hit by shrapnel in the neck and shoulder but managed to crawl to the officers’ dugout where a field dressing was applied to his wounds.

Invalided out of the army in 1916, Mr Anderson took over his father’s Newtyle joinery business.

Mr Anderson founded the British Legion in the village and trained the local football team. He was also involved with the Boy Scouts.

He married Susanna Iddison in 1917 and the couple had five children.

When World War 2 broke out he joined the local defence volunteers, which later became the Home Guard.

In 1977, Mr Anderson and his wife celebrated their diamond wedding with their big family of 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Sadly Susanna died two years later.

Mr Anderson continued to be active in the British Legion and attended every Remembrance Day Service, laying the wreath until he was 105.

He received the Legion d’Honneur from the French government in 1998 and in 2003 was named as Alyth citizen of the year.

When Mr Anderson reached 106 he enjoyed a surprise visit from Prince Charles, who had learned of the Dundee veteran’s role as batman to his grand-mother’s brother and wanted to talk to him first-hand.

For his next birthday, Charles sent a hand-written letter and a bouquet of roses.

Fellow Alyth resident and Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser was sad to learn of the veteran’s death.

“Alfred Anderson was a remarkable man whose life spanned three centuries,” Mr Fraser said.

“He was one of the last few survivors of World War 1, and as such his opinions were regularly sought by journalists and documentary-makers.

“Despite his great age he lived life to the full and until very recently lived alone. It was only a decline in his health which led him to move into a nursing home.

“I send condolences on behalf of my colleagues in the Scottish Parliament to his family.”

The affection in which the town of Alyth held Mr Anderson was clear to see as a bust of him was unveiled at the the local library earlier this year.

To celebrate the 109-year-old’s birthday, the bust was revealed at a family celebration and will eventually be put on display at the Black Watch museum in Perth, further strengthening the bond between Mr Anderson and the regiment he served during World War 1.