Just weeks ahead of his 90th birthday, he was presented with a framed picture of the course, at the end of season prizegiving.

Alec was a fine golfer in his day, collecting numerous prizes and trophies, and playing off a handicap of just 5 at his peak.

A former painter and decorator, he and wife, Joan, have been married for almost 62 years and live at South Finnercy in Echt. They have five children - sons Heath, Alan, Iain and Gary, and daughter Jane. They also have 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Born and brought up in Aberdeen, Alec was a prisoner of war in Germany for five years during World War Two, before being released in 1945.

According to wife, Joan, he plans to carry on spending lots of time outdoors during his retirement, mainly walking his faithful black labrador, Kali.

She said: "If the weather's decent, he's always outside collecting firewood for our open fire. Apart from that, he likes his crosswords and Sudoku."

She added: "He was just delighted with his picture, he's grown up with the golf course and is really just part of it."