ONE-TIME HOOD

ONE of Scotland's most notorious former criminals is enjoying a simple life after turning his back on the underworld.

- BY JOHN DINGWALL

Ian “Blink” MacDonald, 64, says his crimes and lavish lifestyle are a thing of the past as he raises a young family, and that he is “just happy to be alive”.

The former bank robber, who went straight in 2012 after attempts on his life, said: “Years ago I used to be materialistic because I was involved in crime, but it was all stolen money.

“I used to go into designer shops, now I go to TK Maxx and Poundland.

“I'm happy just to wake up in the morning because most of my friends have either been shot, stabbed or died with drugs before they were 50.

“I didn't think I would see 50. I'm just glad to be alive now. I lead a simple life.”

In 2012, gangsters attached a car bomb to his Mercedes outside his Glasgow home.

A neighbour called police and a controlled detonation was carried out.

MacDonald said: “When I had their bomb at my house under the car, the top cop dealing with it said it was a viable device and if it had exploded, it would have taken half the building.