A BARRHEAD man who played a significant role in the urban regeneration of Glasgow has been named the city’s third citizen.

Town planner Tom McInally has been elected to the role of Deacon Convener of the Trades House of Glasgow, making him the city’s official ‘third citizen,’ behind the Lord Provost and the Lord Dean of Guild.

Tom started his career as a professional apprentice in 1966 and, since then, has worked as a town planner in Glasgow’s public and private sectors, involved in many important projects.

He helped with planning for the redevelopment of the Gorbals, Darnley, Greenlaw, Glasgow Harbour and central Govan, for which his work was awarded the Silver Jubilee Cup – the UK’s top planning award – in 2014.

Tom first became involved in Trades House as a member of the Incorporation of Coopers in 2006, helping to run many of its charity initiatives.

The Trades House donates more than £750,000 annually to deserving causes and individuals across the west of Scotland.

Tom said: “It is a great privilege and honour to have been elected as Deacon Convener of the Trades of Glasgow.

“My work has given me first-hand experience of many of the social issues that exist in Glasgow and strengthened my resolve that Trades House should highlight where assistance is needed, particularly when supporting young people in the city.

“I have gained extensive knowledge of and much pride in the work that Trades House and the 14 incorporated crafts carries out, which contributes to the welfare of the citizens of Glasgow and the surrounding area and offers help and assistance where necessary.”

A past captain of Fereneze Golf Club, Tom was brought up in Govan but moved to Barrhead in 1972.

His wife, Rosemarie, owns the Moda Dea fashion boutique. in the town’s Cross Arthurlie Street.

Tom’s appointment to the prestigious role was celebrated at the annual Deacon Convener’s Dinner, with 165 people in attendance.

Speakers included fellow Barrhead resident Sir Harry Burns, Professor of Global Public Health at the University of Strathclyde, who was previously the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland.

Murdoch MacLennan, chairman of the Press Association Group and also of the Scottish Professional Football Association, was also a speaker.

Established in 1605, the Trades House and its 14 incorporated crafts are today charities which support many educational initiatives with Glasgow’s schools, colleges and universities, aiming to promote education and inspire young people to develop their skills.

For more information, visit the website at www.tradeshouse.org.uk.