SCOTLAND'S first test-tube baby has paid tribute to the scientist who pioneered the groundbreaking fertility treatment that led to his birth

Alastair MacDonald, 34, said Sir Robert Edwards, who died on Wednesday, was his "hero" and like another grandfather to him.

The scientist and Nobel prizewinner who, along with Dr Patrick Steptoe, devised in vitro fertilisation, commonly known as IVF treatment, died at the age of 87, after a long illness.

Mr MacDonald, who lives in Crookston, Glasgow, said: "We were extremely close. He was as close to me as another grandfather.

"He was obviously very busy with his workload but we always kept in touch annually and at the IVF reunions.

"He was probably the most approachable, kindest, nicest person you could ever meet. He was an extremely nice gentleman. It is so hard to quantify what he means to me. It is un-imaginable. I have got the most admiration for him that I could bestow on anyone.

"He literally is my hero for the kind of dedication he had."

Mr MacDonald was born on January 14, 1979, at Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow.

He was the world's second test-tube baby, following the high-profile birth of Louise Brown the year before.

His mother Grace, now 67, was one of dozens of women recruited for Mr Steptoe and Mr Edwards's trials at Oldham General Hospital.

Mrs MacDonald, who now lives in Denny, Stirlingshire, had been told she was infertile in 1972, but had refused to accept a childless life and, five years later, Alastair was born. Unlike Louise, Alastair was largely spared the limelight and media attention, and has lived a normal life, now working for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary for the Ministry of Defence.

He did not find out he was a test-tube baby until the death of Mr Steptoe in 1988, when he was nine years old.

Watching his "Uncle Patrick" on the television, he realised himself what had happened.

To this day he remains close friends with Ms Brown, a bond he says is made stronger because of their circumstances.

He said: "We have remained very close over the years.

"We might as well all be one of the same family, because I do regard Louise as a sister and Bob as a grandfather or uncle.

"I didn't have any press attention from when I was born until when Patrick died. Ever since I was born it has always been special occasions and anniversary dates when there has been press attention, which has been nice as I have been able to lead a pretty normal life without being in the spotlight.

"When I have been in the limelight it has been nice to give my feelings on how good IVF is."

Mr MacDonald regards Sir Robert's work as the most important development in medical science in recent times.

Since Ms Brown's birth in 1978, it is believed around five million babies have been born using IVF, and Mr MacDonald said he felt privileged to be part of that.