A woman celebrating her 105th birthday has revealed that the secret to a long life is a good cup of tea shared with friends. Margaret Blair, a resident at Erskine Veterans Charity's McKellar House care home in Bishopton, marked the occasion on Tuesday surrounded by loved ones.
A Life Well Lived
Born on May 12, 1921, Margaret grew up in her grandmother's home in Dumbarton alongside four younger siblings. She attended College Street Primary School and later Dumbarton Academy before starting work in embroidery at the United Turkey Red Works in Dalquhurn, Renton.
During the Second World War, Margaret served as an overseer at the Blackburn Aircraft Factory in Dumbarton, where Sunderland Flying Boats were built for the UK forces. In 1941, she joined the Women's Land Army and was stationed at her uncle's farm in Southmains, Milngavie. It was there that she met her future husband, Christie Blair, the son of a local gamekeeper.
Marriage and Family
Christie Blair served in the RAF from 1940 to 1947, including a period in India, before returning home. The couple married in 1948 and settled in Bearsden. They enjoyed a happy marriage until Christie's death in 2017 at Haig House, an Erskine care home. The couple had a daughter, Senga, born in 1957. Margaret is now a grandmother of two and great-grandmother of three.
A Royal Recognition
On her 105th birthday, Margaret received a second royal card from the King and Queen, having previously received one on her 100th birthday. She has never smoked or drunk alcohol, attributing her happiness and longevity to simple pleasures like home-cooked meals and good company.
Margaret shared: 'I've had a great life and so many happy memories over the years. I feel very fortunate to be celebrating my 105th birthday and to have reached this milestone surrounded by family, friends and everyone here at McKellar House. It has been lovely to spend time together and celebrate with so many familiar faces. The secret to a long life is a good cup of tea with friends, and we've had a few of them today.'
Ian Cumming, chief executive of Erskine Veterans Charity, said: 'It is a pleasure for everyone at Erskine to celebrate Margaret's 105th birthday. Reaching such a remarkable milestone is a significant occasion and a chance to recognise a life filled with memories and experiences. We are delighted to help make the day special for Margaret and to celebrate alongside her family, friends, residents and staff.'
