Celebrations were held for a very special Vale resident who marked her 107th birthday.
Elizabeth Louisa Irving, known as Bessie, was born before the outbreak of the First World War and last week celebrated the huge milestone with a party at Balquhidder Care Home.
Provost William Hendrie, Depute Provost Karen Conaghan and Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayer paid her a special visit (pictured). Bessie was also delighted to receive a birthday card from the Queen – which was not her first.
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Bessie was born Elizabeth Louisa McRoberts on April 25, 1912 in Motherwell – 10 days after the sinking of the Titanic.
She attended school in Motherwell until the age of 14 and then took up various employments before securing a general maid position at the Westerton house, just outside Balloch.
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It was here Bessie met her husband James (Jimmy) who was from the neighbouring farm Blairhosh.
They married in Motherwell on June 29, 1945 and spent their married life at Blairhosh Cottage until Jimmy’s death at the age of 53.
Bessie continued to live at the cottage with her two brother-in-laws, Tom and David.
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When they died the farm and cottage were sold and Bessie moved to Alexandria. In 2018, she moved into Balquhidder Care Home.
Bessie loves nothing more than a plate of mince and tatties, a good cup of tea and a natter with her neighbours.
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