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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Claire Galloway

West Lothian wish Dunkirk veteran happy birthday as he turns 102

West Lothian has wished one of their oldest locals happy birthday.

Willie Gaughan, from West Calder, celebrated his 102nd birthday over the weekend.

The World War Two veteran, who grew up in Mosside, fought at Dunkirk.

When he returned home, Willie became a grocer and later leased the chip shop in West Calder before going to work in Halls of Broxburn.

Now a resident in Burngrange Care Home, he enjoyed a dram with his daughter on his birthday.

A post from the council congratulating Willie on the milestone has been liked by over 1,000 people, with countless comments from locals wishing him a happy birthday.

The post read: "Huge congratulations to West Calder’s Willie Gaughan, who celebrated his 102nd birthday yesterday.

"A much-loved resident of Burngrange Care Home in West Calder, Willie grew up in nearby Mosside and served in the army during World War 2, and was at Dunkirk.

"After the war, he became a grocer and later leased the chip shop in West Calder before going to work in Halls in Broxburn, where he finally retired at the age of 67.

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"Willie was married for 60 years to his lovely wife Jessie and has one daughter, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

"He had a wonderful day being spoiled by the staff at Burngrange, surrounded with gifts, cards and well-wishes.

"Highlights including an inside visit from his daughter Janice, and a wee dram to celebrate his special day."

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