And finally…Aberdeen’s Gilbert commits to saving home of Scotland’s samuari

The boss of Aberdeen Asset Management, Martin Gilbert, has promised “to do whatever it takes” to restore the home of Scottish Samurai Thomas Blake Glover – who helped establish the Mitsubishi business empire after arriving in Japan in the 1850s.

Thomas Blake Glover House on Balgownie Road, Bridge of Don, has fallen into disrepair while lying empty for years.

But it was once the family home of Fraserburgh-born Glover and subsequently used for a time as a museum dedicated to his life’s work after it was given to trustees in 1996 only to close in 2012, due to falling visitor numbers and increased running costs.

Now, Mr Gilbert, chief executive of the global investment giant and one of the Granite City’s most prominent businesses leaders, has revealed that he is to see it restored to its former glory.

The commitment, Mr Gilbert hopes, could further boost the links between the Granite City and Japan.

He said: “If anything can be done to restore Glover House we will be prepared to do it and we have made an offer to contribute to the house reopening in his memory.

“He was one of the founders of Mitsubishi which owns 18% of Aberdeen Asset Management.

“Thomas Blake Glover is one of the reasons why they became a major shareholder, and there is a long history between Aberdeen and Japan. We will do whatever we can to get the house reopened.”

Mr Gilbert revealed the vision to the local Press & Journal newspaper on Saturday, while at the Order of the Scottish Samurai Awards night at the city’s town house.