The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Markinch girl Alana Henderson will celebrate turning 12 today but, as a leap year baby, she will blow out only three candles on her birthday cake.
Fife youngster who was born on leap day 2008 celebrates turning 12 today
When Alana Henderson turns 12 today she will blow out only three candles on her birthday cake.
The Fife youngster celebrates her third “real” birthday on February 29.
Alana, of Markinch, was the first baby in Fife, and possibly Scotland, born on that date during the leap year of 2008.
She entered the world seven minutes after midnight at Forth Park Hospital, in Kirkcaldy, more than a fortnight before her due date.
Most years Alana has to have her birthday on February 28 and is elated to be able to party with friends on her bona fide birthday in 2020.
Mum Debbie said: “She is pretty excited now that she is old enough to understand it all.
“She had been telling everyone that this is her real birthday.”
Despite having her actual birthday only once every four years, Alana likes her special birth date.
Debbie said: “It’s a bit of a talking point for everyone. You don’t meet many people with a February 29 birthday.
“Alana has only met one other person with the same birthday. She was at a dance show and the girl dancing next to her, who was from Glasgow, said her birthday was on the 29th.”
Alana’s special birthday is also fun for little sister Evie, 9.
Debbie said: “Her sister is always telling everyone that she is older than her big sister.”
Meanwhile in Fife, the 39th birthday of a woman born 156 years ago will be marked today at the grand house she helped create.
Beatrice Sharp, who was born on February 29 1864, was the driving force behind the transformation of Hill of Tarvit mansion, near Cupar.
A party will be held for her at the National Trust for Scotland property, where tours will be given by guides dressed as members of the Sharp family.
There will also be music recitals on Edwardian instruments, still life drawing, billiards and activities for children.
Beatrice and husband Frederick commissioned architect Robert Lorimer to remodel the house.
Anyone who shares Beatrice’s birthday will be given free entry to the mansion.
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It’s a bit of a talking point for everyone. You don’t meet many people with a February 29 birthday. DEBBIE HENDERSON