Alf is the country’s oldest man

Celebration: Smoked haddock and poached egg for lunch to mark 109th birthday

Scotland’s oldest man – and Britain’s joint oldest man – Alf Smith from St Madoes, has celebrated his 109th birthday.

He was born on March 29 1908, the same day as his counterpart in England, Bob Weighton from Hampshire.

“They haven’t met but they have exchanged photos and birthday cards for the last three years,” said his daughter Mrs Irene Noble.

She was greeting visitors to Mr Smith’s home who were keen to pass on their congratulations for his milestone birthday.

As a treat Mr Smith enjoyed a lunch of smoked haddock and poached egg.

“Fish is his favourite food, that is why his brain is so good,” said Mrs Noble.

She said her father was not so mobile any more and that she had been staying with him to help him out.

The second youngest of six sons born to John and Jessie Smith, Mr Smith was educated at Invergowrie Primary School and Harris Academy, Dundee.

He emigrated to Canada, along with four of his brothers, in 1927 but returned after five years and went on to drive lorries for his brother, George.

During the Second World War Mr Smith was in the Home Guard, and married Isobel when he was 29.

The couple went on to a farm at Kinfauns and had two children, Irene and Allan.

Allan died last year aged 77 and Mrs Smith passed away 13 years ago, aged 97.

Picture: Steven Brown. Councillor Mack Roberts visits Alf Smith on his 109th birthday. Also pictured is Mr Smith’s daughter Irene.