Legendary Edinburgh fundraiser Tom Gilzean laid to rest in tartan coffin

War veteran Tom Gilzean raised over £1 million for charity in his lifetime.

Hundreds were in attendance today at the funeral of legendary fundraising veteran, Tom Gilzean in Edimburgh.

The 99-year-old, recognisable by his trademark tartan trousers and hat, raised more than £1m for charity, collecting on the Royal Mile and Princes Street.

Mr Gilzean was so renowned and beloved by Edinburgh residents he became a part of Oor Wullie’s BIG Bucket Trail this summer, with his very own specially created statue.

His statue was sold for £13,000, raising vital funds for Edinburgh’s Children’s Hospital Charity.

He also tirelessly fundraised for Edinburgh’s Children’s Hospital Charity over the years, raising £30,000 in 2018 alone.

His body was carried into St Mary’s Cathedral in a tartan coffin and was buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery.

Speaking at the funeral, a Legion Scotland veteran described Mr Gilzean as a “beacon of hope for the world”.

Mr Gilzean died following a series of strokes at at veterans’ hospital, Erskine House on November 4.

He received the Edinburgh Award in 2015 and an MBE earlier this year for his prolific charity work.

He was a bus driver with Lothian Buses and also served with the Royal Engineers from 1938 to 1946 as a despatch rider and in mine clearance.

A book of condolence was opened for Mr Gilzean at Edinburgh City Chambers – the first one the city council had opened since the death of Nelson Mandela.