SCOTTISH war veterans have united for an emotional sneak peek of a collection of portraits to mark 100 years since the end of WWI.

Soldiers from Maryhill to Milngavie gathered in the Clydebank Museum and Art Gallery to catch a glimpse of the exhibit, which runs from Tuesday to January 12 next year.

Artist Tom McKendrick hoped the collection would provide a glimpse into the heroic tales behind the servicemen and women in the images and ensure they are remembered on Armistice Day.

However, for one family the event was tinged with sadness as 97-year-old Sergeant Allan McKinlay, whose portrait features in gallery, died before he was able to see his portrait.

The Clydebank-native travelled to Bellahouston Park against his mother's wishes to join the No 12 Anti-Aircraft Division of the British Army and he never looked back, going on to become Divisional Superintended of Dumbarton police after leaving the army.

His son George, who travelled to the event with his nephew Kyle, told the Evening Times: "His mum wanted him to get a trade or go to the shipyards but he wanted to be in the army.

"He never missed an Armistice Day and last year we came here as Kyle was marching with the Air Cadets when we met Tom. He said my dad must have a story tell given all his medals and asked if he could paint him.

"My dad said 'what's that going to cost me?' - typical policeman. He died on March 7 and we went to Tom's house to collect a copy, when I walked in and saw it it was amazing. It was just like being in a room with my dad again."

Many of the veterans became involved due to Peter Shields MBE, QGM who now works with a charity helping those who have lost limbs in battle.

The Yoker-raised Lieutenant Colonel received the Queens Gallantry Medal after leading dozens of soldiers to safety when ammunition and combat supplies caught fire in Kuwait in 1991.

The 68-year-old said: "None of us are special but everyone here has a story to tell.

"This is a chance for the public to remember we're out there doing the work to keep people safe."

Corporal Mick McConnell also made the trip for the exhibit.

The former Clyde shipyard worker had his leg amputated after stepping on an IED while working in Afghanistan in August 2011 as a Royal Air Force Police Ams and Explosives Search Dog Handler.

"It means the world to know we're not forgotten," he said.