Tributes are pouring in for one of Edinburgh's most beloved local characters, Tommy Carson, who has died at the age of 99.
Tommy Carson BEM passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 29 June 2022, with friends and relatives paying tribute to a man who remained active till the end and was well-known for his affable nature, kind-heartedness, charity work and passion for telling stories.
Born in the capital's Grassmarket in 1922, Tommy Carson, who would have turned 100 in October this year, was fond of sharing memories of his experiences growing up before and during the Second World War and recently participated in podcasts for the Living Memory Association charity.
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Described by a family member as an entertainer, entrepreneur, comedian and singer, Tommy Carson was admired and respected by all who knew him.
He joined the army as a teenager in 1940, however, an injury sustained during training meant he was spared from being sent overseas.
Along with his friend John Fee, Tommy was known for giving talks on local history, which he was incredibly passionate about. He was also known to raise money for good causes.
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Paying tribute to the popular 99-year-old, Barry Davidson of the Living Memory Association (THELMA) said: "Tommy Carson was a regular visitor to our Wee Museum of Memory in Leith and always had a selection of wonderful tales to tell us of days gone by.
"He was always smiling, always cracking jokes, and when he would pop in to our reminiscence groups you were guaranteed both laughter and tremendous stories.
"Tommy was particularly fond of meeting up with Ken Buchanan here and remembering Ken's boxing triumphs. He was quite a character and will be fondly remembered and missed by the staff here at THELMA."
Responding to the sad news, George Williamson, Tommy's friend of 30 years, wrote: "Throughout the 30 years I knew Tommy his optimism and sheer energy were an inspiration and a joy to behold.
"Just before Covid, Tommy was planning his annual Christmas party at Edinburgh City Chambers for the 'old folk. He was 96 years old.
"He had recently ran music sessions in Retirement Homes where both the staff and residents found his jokes, music and singalongs a splendid way to spend an afternoon - they loved him.
"Tommy seemed to know everyone from millionaires to those on limited incomes, from politicians to local activists, everyone liked and respected him.
"Whenever he was asked how he was doing the inevitable reply was 'gaun like a bomb, son, gaun like a bomb'. One of his jokes was about a woman who wanted her son to be in the theatre and have his name in lights - she called him Exit.
"Edinburgh has lost a real character, someone who knew the hard times of the 1920s including sectarian riots about which he occasionally spoke.
"It was a privilege to know him and although he had a 'good innings, as they say, he’ll be sorely missed."
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