Happy birthday to the remarkable Mary, 106
by Colin Cameron editor@argyllshireadvertiser.co.uk Tayvallich’s Mary McLullich turned 106 on Thursday May 7.
This remarkable lady was living in her own home in Tayvallich until February this year, before moving to Glasgow.
Originally from Lanarkshire, Mary met Tayvallich farmer Duncan McLullich prior to the Second World War. They married when the war was over.
They had twins Anne and Christine in 1950, before Alan came along six years later.
Mary has four grand-daughters and a grandson – Christine has three daughters: Sarah, who lives in Australia, Claire and Beth. Anne has a daughter Jane, while Alan has a son, Duncan.
Sarah, who lives in Australia, has Thomas and Mary, while Jane has Lucy and is expecting a baby boy.
Jane said her grandmother is doing well at the care home in Glasgow, though missing everyone during the coronavirus restrictions.
She added: ‘We’re all just sad we couldn’t be with her on her big birthday, but hopefully soon.
‘She had a nice day and the staff in the home were great. She was very tired in the afternoon so these are the only photos she could get through the window, of course.
‘She got so many cards and birthday wishes from the village. That was so very kind of you all. Mum will try her best to shout through to her the comments that were on Facebook.’
The Argyllshire Advertiser went to Mary’s home in Tayvallich to see her last year on her 105th birthday and when she was asked the favourite question of interviewers in these situations – the secret to a long and healthy life – Mary replied: ‘Moderation in all things. She quickly added: ‘Apart from sweeties.’ Message
There was a birthday surprise this year when Mary got a special video message from the First Minister, arranged by a family friend.
Nicola Sturgeon said in the video: ‘Hi Mary, I hear you have just celebrated your 106th birthday, so I wanted to take the opportunity to wish you a happy birthday, albeit under very unusual circumstances with lockdown. I hope you had some lovely celebrations.’