Birthday bash icing on the cake for Leslie, aged 100

Mr Spoor was born on October 12, 1910, in South Shields and educated at John Watson's School.

After leaving school, he worked in several department stores, including Selfridges in London. In 1936, he took part in the Cable Street riots, where London's East End united to fight against Oswald Mosely's British Union of Fascists.

Following the outbreak of the Second World War, Mr Spoor volunteered to join the Royal Air Force. The RAF rejected his application, deeming him too old at 28 years old to become a pilot. He spent the first two years, including the Blitz, as a Stretcher Party Officer in Marylebone, London.

In 1942, Mr Spoor was enlisted in the RAF and trained as a wireless mechanic, working mainly on Spitfires, before managing in the communications tower on Corstorphine Hill.

After the war, Mr Spoor took advantage of a government scheme to take an Honours degree in History at Edinburgh University, with teacher training at Moray House College, graduating in 1949.

After short spells teaching at Broxburn Academy and Preston Lodge, he headed the history department at Mussel-burgh Grammar School, where he worked between 1950 and 1964.

In 1964, he became one of the original staff at Napier Technical College, teaching Complementary Studies.

He also worked part-time in other teaching roles.

Three years after his retirement in 1975, Mr Spoor became the principal founder of the Scottish Ecology Party, now the Scottish Green Party.

Starting with a few members meeting at his house, it has since expanded to having its first UK parliamentarian, Robin Harper, elected in 1999.

Mr Spoor was involved in Mr Harper's campaign, handing out leaflets in the run-up to the election.

Mr Spoor still maintains a keen interest in politics and current affairs whilst enjoying the quiet Corstorphine life.

Family and friends started a week of celebrations with a party at the Corstorphine Heritage Centre. On his birthday, Mr Spoor and his wife, Pat, enjoyed a buffet lunch in the Terrace Room at the Sheraton Hotel.

On Thursday evening they were joined by their neighbours to toast the centenarian's birthday before celebrations ended, last Saturday, with a final gathering.

Family and close friends met at the Best Western Capital Hotel in Clermiston Road - including his four children, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.