Touching tributes have been paid to a much-loved charity champion who has died at the age of 101.

Described as “truly exceptional,” Barrhead woman Mary Young was the longest serving British Red Cross volunteer in Scotland.

She was the first person in Scotland to receive the charity’s 70-year service award and also received a MBE for her dedication.

Mary secured another honour in 2000 as she was given a Fellowship from the Rotary Club of Barrhead.

Marie Hayes, director of independent living for the British Red Cross in Scotland, said: “Mary devoted her life to the movement and was a truly exceptional lady.

“We will always treasure her memory and hold her in our hearts as an inspiration for everyone in the Red Cross.”

The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, responding to conflicts and natural disasters.

Mary joined the charity at the age of 17 and was a member of the Red Cross Civil Nursing Reserve during the Second World War.

In 1953, she became a member of the Renfrewshire branch and was appointed Red Cross president for Barrhead in 1980.

Her time in that role saw her organise a visiting service for the housebound and elderly, start a mobile library service in Barrhead and build up a wheelchair loan service for people who had lost their mobility following an accident or illness.

In 1995, she became patroness of the Glasgow and Renfrewshire branch of the Red Cross.

Mary was also an activist for the Conservative Association in East Renfrewshire.

Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw said she would be greatly missed.

He added: “Mary was a tireless supporter of the causes in which she believed.

“Despite ill health, Mary remained determined. Always immaculate and proud, she was a familiar face at constituency events until only recently.

“A genuine public servant, she will be missed in her Barrhead community.”