Ella McLean spent the Second World War plotting aircraft movements as part of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF).
Last week, the East Kilbride pensioner was flying high as she became a centenarian and received a birthday card from the Queen.
A special party was hosted for Ella at the Abbey Lodge Care Home in Westwood, and she was joined for the special celebration by her son and daughter.
Son Ken travelled north from Wales in his motorhome with his wife for the special day, while daughter Mary Coles lives nearby in East Kilbride.
Mary said: “Mum had many interests and a network of friends in Scottish Country dancing, in doing voluntary work with Cancer Research, and in Greenhills Church of Scotland, where she was relief organist/pianist for a number of years.
“My mum has resided in Abbey Lodge for just under four years and our extended family are proud she’s the first to make it to 100!
“We’re all thankful to Abbey Lodge staff for all their care and support.”
Born on April 29, 1921 in her granny’s house in Methil, Fife, Ella grew up in Perth with her parents and older brother.
As a youngster, she enjoyed swimming and skating, and went on to become a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during the Second World War.
Her role with WAAF meant spending most of her time away from her home in Perth at a base in Cheltenham, doing administrative work and then plotting aircraft movements.
Ella also played the flute in the forces’ marching band.
Marrying her sweetheart Charles Mclean on May 5, 1945, shortly after he returned from prisoner of war camp, the couple set up family homes in Perth and Crieff.
Sadly widowed in 1975 when living in Lancashire, Ella returned to Scotland to live in East Kilbride near her daughter.
As well as having a son and daughter, Ella has two grandchildren, Neal and Pamela and three great grandchildren – they live in England and Edinburgh.
