Football star Sam in new position as our oldest man

SAM LATTER, a former professional footballer, has celebrated his 106th birthday, making him the oldest man in Scotland.

Born on 4 January, 1904 in Glasgow's Gorbals, Mr Latter was the son of a Jewish immigrant master tailor.

Mr Latter said one of his earliest memories was when his brother wanted a kilt.

"My brother, Wee Alfie – I called him that because he was half my size – wanted this kilt and my father wouldn't make him one," he said. "He said it would take 12 yards of material and he could make three suits with that.

"The First World War broke out and Alfie went north to join the Gordon Highlanders. I said 'what for?' and he said 'because they wear kilts'."

As a youngster Mr Latter was a great footballer, and signed for one of the leading teams in Scotland. Sadly, the wages in those days meant there was little hope of becoming a millionaire.

"I saw myself playing in defence at Celtic, and I wanted to play for Queen's Park, but I ended up playing with Third Lanark," he said. "I was signed for 25 and had 6 a week in the first team and 4 a week in the second team."

He moved to the Capital in 1931 after marrying Edinburgh girl Flora Strachan, whom he described as his "soulmate".

They lived in the same house in Liberton Gardens for over 70 years. Flora died in 1990.

He volunteered for service when the Second World War began, joining the RAF and ultimately being stationed at Dalcross in the north of Scotland to train pilots.

"They were just boys," he recalled. "I don't know how many survived. It is very sad."

On being demobbed in 1945, with Flora an active partner, he moved into the world of business, having an early encounter with Sir Tom Farmer.

"I had another adventure when I met Tommy Farmer," he said. "At this time the government were bringing in new laws on rubber on tyres, and I got into tyres.

"I should have bought in with Tommy but I didn't. I wanted to be on my own."

He and Flora opened a confectionery and tobacco shop at the entrance to the Caledonian goods yard on Lothian Road.

It flourished for 21 years until the lease expired and they moved a few blocks away to Lauriston Street and bought a tyre and battery business.

On his retirement in 1973, Mr Latter sold out to the Binnie family, who are still there today.

He lives in Strachan House care home in Edinburgh, where he is regarded as the life and soul, and where he celebrated his birthday with friends and family.

Scotland's previous oldest man, Bob Taggart of Rutherglen, died in August, just more than a month after turning 109.