SON of the late Mr. Thomas Coats, of Ferguslie and Maxwelltown, and Margaret, daughter of Mr. Thomas Glen, Thornhill, Renfrewshire, Sir Thomas was born at Ferguslie House, Paisley, in 1846, and was educated at Queenwood College, Hampshire. As a Director of the great thread-making firm of J. & P. Coats, Ltd., he is deeply interested in the industry of the West of Scotland. He was a member of the Extra Parliamentary Panel of Commissioners under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act of 1899. He also had a long and honourable service as an officer of volunteers, being an Honorary Colonel and formerly Commandant of the 2nd V.B. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and possessing the Volunteer Decoration. He assumed the additional surname of Glen in 1894, and received the honour of a baronetcy in the same year. A Liberal in politics, he is a member of various Liberal clubs and organisations in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London. He was elected M.P. for West Renfrewshire in 1906. On the death of Lord Blythswood he was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire in August, 1908.
    By his wife, Elise A. Walker, daughter of Alexander Walker, Montreal, Sir Thomas has a family of two sons and one daughter.

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