A devoted Ayrshire son let his vulnerable elderly mum sit on his knee for almost six hours through a Tom Jones concert after the venue couldn't provide a chair.
Colin Malcher surprised mum Maria — who suffers from dementia and mobility issues — with last-minute tickets to see her idol at Edinburgh Princes Street Gardens as part of the capital's Summer Sessions event.
But he had to improvise to make sure Maria, 68, had the best and only 'seat' in the house after arriving at the gig and discovering wheelchairs were not allowed.
Big-hearted Colin, who owns the Niche restaurant in Irvine, helped his mum towards the front of the stage and planted her on one knee so she could enjoy the Welsh superstar's performance.
His selfless act of love at the August 11 gig won the hearts of bystanders who fashioned a makeshift knee-pad from a t-shirt to make his night more comfortable.
Colin, 36, said: "My mum has always loved music and it's something that really helps with her dementia. She remembers lyrics, things like that.
"Tom Jones has always been one of her favourites — he's her crush.
"I actually didn't know he was still performing until that morning when I saw tickets were available.
"It was standing-only but I thought we might be able to get her in on a wheelchair. We got there pretty early but unfortunately the staff at the venue said it wasn't possible for health and safety reasons. Everyone was really nice about it.
"We went to the front and mum leaned against the barrier but she couldn't stand for long periods and kept falling backwards.
"Sitting her on my knee was the best thing to do and it was honestly worth all the hassle to see her enjoy herself so much.
"The whole atmosphere was electric. She loved every single minute and still talks about it. That's all that matters to me."
Colin's kindness even went viral after concert-goer Jackie Drummond posted pictures of him and Maria online.
Colin added: "I've had loads of lovely messages on my phone. People couldn't have been nicer."
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