Britain’s most decorated former soldier, Sir Tommy Macpherson, has died at the age of 94.
The World War II hero, who fought with No 11 (Scottish Commando) in Europe, and was awarded the Military Cross three times, the Croix de Guerre three times and the Legion d’Honneur, died on Thursday.
The Edinburgh-born soldier famously brought about the surrender of 23,000 German troops in an elaborate bluff that involved driving through 10 miles of enemy-held territory, in full Highland dress and under machine-gun fire, to the Das Reich Division headquarters.
There, he convinced the troops they were outnumbered and forced them to surrender.
Throughout his distinguished career, Sir Tommy was captured several times and was close to being executed once while being transported as a prisoner.
In 1944 he was awarded the Military Cross for his escape from the Stalag XX-A prison camp in Poland.
After the war, Sir Tommy went to Oxford University, and went on to become a Royal Equerry and then a successful businessman working in the timber trade.
He settled in Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, with his wife Lady Jean Macpherson.
Rob Ritchie, chairman of the community council in Newtonmore, said: “Sir Tommy died in hospital in Inverness on Thursday.
“He was always adventurous and would walk the hills in his kilt. Weather meant nothing to him. In the last few years, he was in a wheelchair but he was always out with his carers. He will be a big loss to the village.”
His death comes as thousands of people prepare to turn out for Remembrance Sunday services across the north and north-east.
In the north, there will be various parades and services, including at Helmsdale at 10.30am, Wick and Dingwall at 10.40am, Tain at 10.45am, Conon Bridge and Nairn at 11am and Cavall Gardens War Memorial in Inverness at 3pm.
The Fort William parade will set off from the earlier time of 10.18am, with the service at the war memorial beginning at 10.40am.
RAF Lossiemouth personnel will take part in the parade in Elgin from the museum to the town’s High Street at 10.40am.
In Aberdeenshire, there will be parades and services in Banchory at 9.20am, Inverurie at 10am, Fraserburgh at 10.15am, and Ellon and Turriff, both at 10.50am.
In Aberdeen, representatives of the armed forces and ex-service organisations will parade to the war memorial at Schoolhill.
There will be a short ceremony, including a prayer, two-minute silence and wreath laying, which will be attended by Lord Provost George Adam and community groups.
Afterwards, a church service will be held at 11.30am at the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting.
Schoolhill, from Back Wynd to Blackfriars Street, Belmont Street, Little Belmont Street, and the Denburn Viaduct, from Union Terrace to Blackfriars Street will be closed from 9.45am-noon.