An ex-serviceman from Barrhead has shared his memories about meeting Queen Elizabeth II.

David Curtis works for The Firs care home in Barrhead, and shared his story following the death of the monarch last Thursday. 

David, aged 44, met the Queen in 2001 when she came to Brompton barracks in Chatham, Kent, to open a new wing of the military base.

David, who served with the Royal Engineers for 12 years, and has lived in Barrhead for five years.

He explained how nervous he was ahead of the royal visit: “We were all standing on parade, and she came along the line and inspected our uniforms.

“You’re gearing yourself up for it for days before, it was quite daunting because we knew our uniform had to be immaculate.

"I was a Sergeant at the time and she was such a lovely lady when she was speaking to people."

The Queen died aged 96 at Balmoral Castle, after reigning for more than 70 years.

David, who does maintenance at The Firs, added: “She’s a tiny wee woman, she was really nice and talked away like a normal person.”

“It’s really sad times we are in, she was an amazing woman.”