Tributes paid as well-loved Edinburgh local hero Tommy Carson dies aged 99

AuthorDavid McLean
Published date30 June 2022
Publication titleEdinburghLive (Scotland)
Tommy Carson BEM passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 29 June 2022, with friends and relatives paying tribute to a man who remained active till the end and was well-known for his affable nature, kind-heartedness, charity work and passion for telling stories

Born in the capital's Grassmarket in 1922, Tommy Carson, who would have turned 100 in October this year, was fond of sharing memories of his experiences growing up before and during the Second World War and recently participated in podcasts for the Living Memory Association charity.

Described by a family member as an entertainer, entrepreneur, comedian and singer, Tommy Carson was admired and respected by all who knew him.

He joined the army as a teenager in 1940, however, an injury sustained during training meant he was spared from being sent overseas.

Along with his friend John Fee, Tommy was known for giving talks on local history, which he was incredibly passionate about. He was also known to raise money for good causes.

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Paying tribute to the popular 99-year-old, Barry Davidson of the Living Memory Association (THELMA) said: "Tommy Carson was a regular visitor to our Wee Museum of Memory in Leith and always had a selection of wonderful tales to tell us of days gone by.

"He was always smiling, always cracking jokes, and when he would pop in to our reminiscence groups you were guaranteed both laughter and tremendous stories.

"Tommy was particularly fond of meeting up with Ken Buchanan here and remembering Ken's boxing triumphs. He was quite a character and will be fondly remembered and missed by the staff here at THELMA."

Responding to the sad news, George Williamson, Tommy's friend of 30 years, wrote: "Throughout the 30 years I knew...

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