Former Slamannan resident celebrates 100th birthday

Anne Whyte marked the milestone occasion with family, staff and other residents at the Tamfourhill home.

Among her cards was one from Her Majesty the Queen, and Provost William Buchanan attended to wish her many happy returns on behalf of Falkirk Council.

Anne was born in Linlithgow on January 9, 1920 and was the youngest of three children.

Sadly her mother died when Anne was a child so she grew up not knowing her.

Her father, who was a ploughman at that time, took over a farm in Slamannan and moved his young family there.

Anne said it was hard work helping with the farm chores, but she thoroughly enjoyed the farm life.

And it was her farming background that was the inspiration for her celebration cake last week.

Anne was happily married to her husband Charlie for 68 years, but he sadly passed away in 2007 at the age of 91.

The couple had three children – Janet Fleming (80), Alex Whyte (69) and Mary, who passed away in 1962.

Both Janet and Alex were at the party on Thursday to celebrate their mum’s birthday, alongside granddaughter Lisa.

Anne also has a grandson, Graeme, and three great grandchildren – Lucy, Heidi and Jaimee.

Having been brought up on the family farm in Slamannan, Ann continued to live in the village after she was married and stayed there until four years ago.

For the past four years Anne has been a resident in Wallside Grange Care Home where she has been very happy and very well looked after.

Anne said for her the secret to a long and happy life was “the good fresh air when on the farm”.