Double celebration

There was a double celebration for two birthday buds who marked special milestones side by side.

Jessie Baird turned the fine age of 100 alongside great- grandson Robbie Hannah, who celebrated his 18th birthday.

The pair marked the special occasion with a celebration at Ayr’s Balgarthe and were joined by plenty of friends and family.

Great- gran- of- five Jessie, of Ayr, said: “It just kind of creeps up on you.”

Jessie was born at Rozelle Estate on August 6, 1919.

She managed a tomato growing nursery in Alloway before marrying husband Angus in 1941 and working on the nursery together.

Jessie still lives at the house she and Angus were allocated just after the war some 70 years ago.

The pair raised four children and shared over 50 years of marriage before he died in 1994.

During the war Jessie was an observer, spotting planes, and later in life she worked at Age Concern, which she adored.

She said: “Sometimes I feel I shouldn’t be here because I’ve seen others pass.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes in my life. In some ways I think we have made improvements and in other ways we haven’t.

“We have progressed but sometimes I think we could strip back a bit.”

Robbie was chuffed to celebrate his 18th birthday with his great- gran.

The former Belmont Academy pupil is looking forward to studying sports therapy at City of Glasgow college.

Jessie was delighted to receive her telegram from the Queen.

And the secret to long life?

“Hard work”, she said