A Paisley man has celebrated his 90th birthday “on top” of his former family home.
Born and bred in the town, John Bolland celebrated his ninetieth birthday in the function suite at St Mirren Park at the tail end of the year surrounded by 100 loving family and friends.
Having grown up in Logan Drive, the Buddies pitch now sits on top of John’s family home that he shared with six siblings.
Proud daughter, Helen-Anne Nicol told how the celebratory afternoon included family and friends all under the one Paisley roof.
She said: “My husband and I are season ticket holders at St Mirren Park and we are regulars there, and my dad’s father was a great supporter of St Mirren, but it was actually my brother’s idea – who lives down south, that we had the party in the football club given its size and locality.”
John’s family including 20 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren got together to celebrate his birthday that saw everyone share stories, enjoy a buffet, a bar and a pianist that played throughout the afternoon.
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Helen-Anne said: “It was a very, very happy event and everyone enjoyed themselves.
“My dad being the eldest of seven, didn’t want a big party with a DJ and all that sort of thing but he thoroughly enjoyed his afternoon at the stadium.
“Everyone was able to share their stories and memories and it was just lovely to have everyone together for such a special occasion.
“Everyone that could have been there to celebrate with him – after taking a lateral flow test of course, was there and it was lovely.
“What made it particularly nice was my dad and four of his siblings were able to go outside and have their photo taken on almost the exact spot of the house in which they grew up.
“My dad told us often, while the stadium was being built, that it would be right on top of his old family home. It seemed an appropriate venue for such a significant celebration.”
John studied civil engineering at Strathclyde University before moving to Canada in the 1950’s shortly after he was married.
John spent five years oversees building harbours before moving back to Paisley where he was involved in the construction of several schools and hospitals in Scotland.
The loving father of ten was also involved in the construction of the former Chivas building on Renfrew Road.
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