Porridge key to longevity says oldest living Scot

Britain’s two oldest men – who happen to share the same date of birth – celebrated their 110th birthdays yesterday.

The milestone occasion is being marked by Alf Smith of Perthshire and Robert Weighton of Alton, Hampshire, who were both born on 29 March, 1908. Although they have never met, the pair have got to know each other by exchanging birthday cards in recent years. Mr Smith and Mr Weighon have lived through two world wars and 29 general elections. They have also been witness to five monarchs, having been born during the reign of Edward VII.

Mr Smith lives in the village of St Madoes, a few miles east of Perth. He spent five years living in Canada before returning to the UK.

Asked the secret to long life, he said: “It’s more simple than you might think – porridge and having a job you enjoy. I’ve supped a lot of porridge in my time, I have it every day.”