HOPES of a memorial to one of the world's best test pilots have been raised as he was hailed a hero from 150 miles above the earth.
British astronaut Tim Peake tweeted his praise from the International Space Station for Captain Eric "Winkle" Brown, who died aged 97 on Sunday, while condolences came from senior politicians, the principal of his alma mater and other wellwishers in his home city of Edinburgh.
The Leith-born airman was the Royal Navy’s most decorated pilot and held the world record for flying the greatest number of different types of aircraft, a total of 487, which is nearly five times the current limit.
It is thought a proposal for a statue, plaque or other memorial would be looked on favourably by Edinburgh City Council.
Mr Peake tweeted: "So sad to hear that Capt Eric 'Winkle' Brown has died - to my mind the greatest test pilot who has ever lived. A true inspiration.
Kezia Dugdale, Scottish Labour leader, said he was "nothing short of a hero".
"My generation owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude. He had a great zest for life and took more risks in one week than most of us do in a lifetime to protect our freedoms, and he did so with both with good humor and grace.
"I'd absolutely support a permanent memorial to him."
Ruth Davidson, Scottish Conservative leader, said he was an "extraordinary man".
“The word 'hero' is bandied about all too easily, but it absolutely applies to Eric Brown.
“His wartime experiences and his life of service thereafter makes him a true British hero and one worthy of recognition.”
Sir Timothy O'Shea, Edinburgh University principal, said: "I was saddened to hear of Captain Brown's passing. He was a remarkable man and a great friend of the University, who always spoke very warmly of his time here.
"Only last year, he thrilled an audience of all ages when he delivered our Mountbatten Lecture which touched on his extraordinary life story.
"He will be greatly missed."
Donald Wilson, Lord Provost, said: “I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone in the city when I say I’m proud of his Edinburgh roots.
"He was honoured at 10 Downing Street as a Great Scot and he is sure to go down in the history books as one of the most decorated and significant pilots to fly the skies.
"His aeronautical feats were truly incredible.”
During the Second World War Capt Brown, who got his nickname because of his diminutive stature, flew fighter aircraft and witnessed the Nuremberg Rally and liberation of Bergen Belsen concentration camp.
He was joined by 100 pilots at his birthday celebration in January.
It is understood that if proposals for a statue, plaque or other fitting commemoration were to be put forward by individuals or groups, the council would be willing to consider them to mark Mr Brown's achievements.
He died at East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, after a short illness.
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