Ayrshire's Sir Tom Hunter has been made an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Philanthropist Sir Tom, who started out selling trainers from the back of a car in his home town of New Cumnock before making a fortune with his Sports Division empire, was honoured at a ceremony in Glasgow.

Hunter and his wife Marion, Lady Hunter, subsequently established The Hunter Foundation in 1998, which is now based in Blair Castle, in North Ayrshire.

Cumnock Chronicle: Sir Tom Hunter

The ceremony, hosted at the University of Glasgow’s Bute Hall on Tuesday, September, 5, celebrated the achievements of more than 300 physicians, surgeons, and dentists, as well as travel and podiatric medicine professionals.

Joining the diplomates were new honorary fellows Sir Tom, Chris Lavy, Professor of Orthopaedic and Tropical Surgery, and Dr Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, while Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, the lead vaccinologist behind the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine, was awarded a President’s Medal.

Mike McKirdy, president of the RCPSG, said: “It is a great pleasure to be welcoming 10 leading figures to the College, all of whom are improving lives around the world through their work in health, education and society as a whole.

"As the UK’s only multidisciplinary Royal College, we are incredibly proud of the impact our college community is making by bringing together different perspectives and experiences to tackle global challenges."

“Our newest members, fellows, honorary fellows and medal winners build on a great legacy of innovation and collaboration over almost 425 years.”

Sir Tom said: “I’m delighted to be here and it’s great to see so many people embarking on their chosen vocation.

"My advice to them would be to take this time to enjoy themselves. Their time is soon to be taken up and we are all grateful for their endeavours.”

Congratulations to Sir Tom from all at Ayrshire Weekly Press.