A SCOT behind the global project to unearth the celestial secrets of the universe was inspired to study science by his engineer uncle - who helped develop the bouncing bomb.

Emeritus professor Ronald Drever played a pivotal role in the study to detect gravitational waves - described as the "biggest scientific breakthrough" of the century - which was unveiled yesterday.

Mr Drever, formerly of the University of Glasgow, was central to setting up the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (Ligo) which detected the ripples in space time that proved Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.

But the feted scientist could not celebrate the momentous discovery with colleagues because he is suffering from dementia.

His family has now revealed that Professor Drever, who is originally from Glasgow, is the nephew of Richan Drever, a highly-skilled precision engineer who worked on the Lancaster Bombers and helped devise the bouncing bombs made famous by the film Dambusters.

The skilled engineer nourishing his nephew’s appetite for curiosity after moving in with the family following World War II.

Doctor Anne Drever, the niece of Professor Drever, said: “Richan definitely helped him in his early years with precision, inventiveness and creating things at home. He also taught him a number of engineering techniques. I think that he was a very big influence on his later life.”

Professor Drever, 84, first discovered his passion for physics at Glasgow Academy, winning a number of prizes and even building a television set from junk so his family could watch the Queen’s Coronation.

However, it was while studying for his degree and doctorate at the University of Glasgow that he chose to concentrate on gravity.

In 1960 he enrolled in Harvard University but it was his work measuring gravity waves while at the California Institute of Technology two decades later that would led to his greatest discovery.

From that foundation, Professor Drever created Ligo which was central to the detection of the gravitational waves that was celebrated as a major scientific breakthrough.

Dr Anne Drever said: “We are very proud. It’s his life’s work and vision and the fact it’s come to fruition during his lifetime is just fantastic.”

Her uncle Prof Drever, who won the Einstein Prize in 2007, watched Thursday's events from a care home near Edinburgh with his brother Ian .

Doctor Drever told The Herald that it was unfortunate he was unable to attend the press conference in Glasgow but said she believed he had been aware of the fanfare.

She added: “Because of his times of lucidity he has been aware of what has been going on and I think it’s wonderful that it has happened in his lifetime and he’s able to take it on board.

“It’s sad that he’s not able to be involved in the celebrations but we believe that he is aware and that’s just amazing.”

Doctor Drever said Ronald had also been able to send a message of congratulations to the team at the University of Glasgow.

The hunt for proof of the gravitational waves began more than a quarter of a century ago and culminated in the construction of detectors in Louisiana and Washington State.

The project involved 1000 scientists and cost an estimated £429 million. Following 25 years of work, success came barely a week after the facility underwent the £1 million upgrade to make it more sensitive.