Scots veteran, 99, who served as teen to attend VE Day 80 Concert in London
Hector McDonald, from Livingston, served in the Royal Navy between October 1943 and September 1946.
A 99-year-old Scots navy veteran who served in World War Two as a teenage boy is to mark the 80th anniversary of VE day in London.
Hector McDonald, from Livingston, will be travelling to the capital to attend the BBC's commemorative VE Day 80 Concert on May 8. The invitation comes as a heartfelt thank you after an interview Hector gave for a BBC segment on the upcoming celebrations - arranged by Sight Scotland Veterans which has supported Hector for over 10 years.
He served in the Royal Navy between October 1943 and September 1946. During his time at sea, he braved the perilous conditions of the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Arctic Convoys, a vital but dangerous mission that helped sustain the Allied war effort.
In recognition of his courage, Hector was awarded the Atlantic Star - a medal created to honour those who served in the freezing and treacherous northern seas during the Second World War. He later served in the Pacific, including operations in the Philippines and Japan.
Hector recalled how when victory in E urope was declared, all seamen were given two bottles of beer.
He said: 'I joined the Royal Navy when I was 18, and after just six weeks of training, I was sent to sea. I served from 1943 to 1946, taking part in the Arctic Convoys and then served in the Pacific, including in the Philippines and Japan.
"When victory in Europe was declared, we were given two bottles of beer, but the war wasn't over for us. We still had to fight on in the Pacific. We were just north of Tokyo when we heard the Japanese had surrendered. I attended victory parades in Sydney and Melbourne."
He continued: 'It is hard to believe it's been 80 years ago since the war ended. VE day is a day to remember what happened and is a reminder to us all about the horror of war, but it is not a celebration. Too much happened to celebrate. I'll never forget the day the war ended, there was such relief. We'd been through so much, and suddenly there was hope again.'
Hector, who is visually impaired because of macular degeneration, has found invaluable friendship and support through Sight Scotland Veterans. He attends the charity's Linburn Centre in Wilkieston, West Lothian, every Monday and Friday.
Hector said: 'Sight Scotland Veterans have been such a great support. They do so much for all of us, making sure we are not left feeling isolated at home. I love going to the Linburn Centre, it's like a second family to me, I go every Monday and Friday, and I really wouldn't miss it.
"Since I lost my sight, the support I've had from Sight Scotland Veterans really has been incredible. They've helped me stay active and connected and I've made some wonderful friends. I feel so privileged to have a place like the Linburn Centre to come to each week.'
Hector, who will celebrate his 100th birthday in September, will be joined on his trip to London by Andy Cole, a Sight Scotland Veterans' Sports and Partnership Volunteer.
Hector said: 'I can't believe I'm getting this opportunity. When I heard about the offer, I was apprehensive at first, as I wasn't sure if I could manage the trip at my age.
"But Sight Scotland Veterans have helped arrange everything with the BBC and I have Andy coming with me. I never imagined at my age I'd be heading to London for something like this. I'm incredibly excited and so thankful to everyone who's made this happen.'
The 80th anniversary of VE Day marks a moment for the UK and Commonwealth to come together in honour of those who served during the Second World War.
It commemorates the formal end of conflict in Europe on 8 May 1945, when the Allies accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender.
The 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) will take place in August 2025.
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