A HERO who was gunned down as he bravely attempted to prevent an armed robbery has been honoured at a ceremony in the city.

Railway worker James Kennedy, a father of three, was shot and killed at the former St Rollox railway engineering works three days before Christmas in 1973 as a gang of seven men made off with the works payroll of almost £10,000.

James, 43, tackled the men knowing they were armed and dangerous. He attempted to prevent their escape but was badly beaten and shot as he made a final bid to stop them.

The robbery was planned just after 7am.

He was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he later died.

To mark James’s bravery, a plaque was unveiled at St Rollox in Springburn on the anniversary of his death.

Lord Provost Eva Bolander said: “It is a privilege to honour the bravery of James Kennedy almost half a century since he tragically lost his life.

“It is important his story of heroism is heard and remembered for posterity.”

James, who lived in Bearsden, was survived by his wife Ellen and daughters Shona, 8, Elspeth, 6 and Leila, six.

He was posthumously decorated with the Glasgow Corporation Bravery Medal in 1974 and the Queen presented his widow and children with the George Cross at Buckingham Palace the next year.

Elspeth said: “I am extremely proud of my dad who died a hero. I am delighted to have this opportunity to celebrate his bravery

“I am proud he did the right thing. His life counts and his courage is inspiring.”

She was joined at the ceremony by her sisters including Shona who travelled from Baltimore in the United States to attend.

Elspeth said the family was told the horrifying news that James had been shot while they were visiting her grandfather’s home. She added: “The police had taken a while to find us because we weren’t at home and there were no mobile phones then.

“Two detectives came. One of them took us into the front room and the other took mum and granddad into the kitchen. I remember mymother howling – screaming. My dad went to work that day and never came home. Christmas always brings back memories of my dad.

“It was really hard financially and emotionally for my mum, who has passed now, with three small children.”

The gang, including Sydney Draper and Alan Brown, were convicted of the James Kennedy in 1974.