Heritage group pays tribute after death of chairman, military enthusiast and museum founder Malcolm Scott

Malcolm Scott, aged 68, was surrounded by his partner of 20 years, Angie Topping and sons, Andi and Paul when he passed away on Monday, February 10 after suffering from heart valve failure and other health complications.

A former South Tyneside Council and Reyrolles worker, Malcolm who lived near Mill Lane, Hebburn, had been “dedicated” to local history from an early age.

In 1974 he was one of the founding members of the North East Vintage and Veteran Aircraft Association alongside John Stelling and Tony Blenkinsop.

Later the organisation would change its name to the Northumbria Aeronautical Collection and in 1979 the North East Aircraft Museum, before it eventually became the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum in 2012.

He was also a member of the Territorial Army Royal Engineers in South Shields and went on to become chairman of the North East Medal and Militaria Society.

Six years ago Malcolm met Philip Moore and the pair bonded over a shared passion for local military history.

Together they set up the Boldon Camp Heritage project in a bid to turn a disused military site on the outskirts of East Boldon into a community heritage centre.

Now Philip has paid tribute to his friend, vowing to “soldier on in his memory”.

“Malcolm was a person who had incredible amounts of enthusiasm for all the projects he undertook – so intoxicating was his energy it was difficult to keep pace with him,” said Philip.

“I got on with him immensely straight away. He was such a likeable guy, a lot of people thought a lot of him.”

He continued: “He dedicated a lot of his life to history from an early age. He was proud of where he came from and that’s what the Boldon Camp project is all about.”

Philip added: “His position will be an immeasurably big one to fill but our group will persevere and soldier on in his memory and to honour the goals he set out to achieve.”