Just 19 years old, he was to spend two years in the war-torn country. Memories of friendships made and comrades lost came flooding back when he recently returned with 150 other veterans on an emotional pilgrimage.

And the former Kilsyth provost took with him a bottle of House of Commons whisky from MP Rosemary McKenna and a bottle of Scottish Parliament whisky from Cathie Craigie MSP. After his return to Kilsyth Tom was delighted to receive confirmation that a request that these gifts be passed on to the President of the Republic of Korea had been followed through.

Mr Barrie was also delighted to see a letter sent to the two parliamentarians honouring him and his fellow veterans for their service. "I was very proud to read it," said the 77-year-old.

President Lee Myung-bak, sent Mrs Craigie and Mrs McKenna a gold-embossed letter which said: "Thank you for the wonderful gift and your kind words. As President, it is always a great privilege to meet with Korean War veterans who fought to protect our land and our freedom.

"It is an honour whenever I meet with these weathered veterans who, like you said, came to Korea as young men, to fight in a distant land most had never even heard of.

"Some were able to make it back home but others did not. I assure you that Korea will remember them all, taking special care of the ones who did not make it home.

"Also give Mr Tom Barrie OBE my best wishes and warm greetings. The people of Korea, including myself, will never forget his service and that of his fellow veterans."

Mr Barrie said: "The President thought the whisky was a wonderful gesture. The trip was a fantastic experience - I loved it.

"It was great to get together with the other veterans and share all our different stories.

"But the country was unrecognisable compared to when I was stationed there. When I left there were peasants planting rice in the fields. It must be the most beautiful place I've ever seen.

"In April we stayed in Seoul and any space has either been built on or had something grown on it. It must be one of the most industrious countries in the world now."

And the trip brought back many memories, he adds. "It was emotional for everyone." He visited a war cemetery - where among the 1000 beautifully maintained graves are many marked with the inscription 'Known Only to God'.

Mrs McKenna said: "I was delighted to send a bottle of House of Commons whisky to the President of South Korea for Tom to present to him and then to have received a very nice letter of thanks from the Korean Government. Over the years Tom has made a tremendous contribution to our community and our country through his long record of public service - in both his military career and in civic life.

"On Friday the country celebrated Armed Forces Day and recognised the contribution of distinguished veterans like Tom as well as those who serve on the frontline today.

"At a time when young people might be disheartened with public life, we must also remember Tom Barrie's outstanding record as a local councillor and all that he achieved for the people he represented. I am very pleased that this has been recognised at the highest level by the President of the Republic of Korea himself."