DEVOTED great-grandmother, war-time agricultural worker and adventure lover Margaret Ross has celebrated her 100th birthday.
Born as Margaret Sinclair and known as Maggie by loved ones, she celebrated the special occasion surrounded by family, friends and neighbours with a party at The Fraser Centre in Tranent on her birthday, August 1.
She defied the odds from the beginning, weighing only 2lbs when she was born. Long before the days of incubators, Maggie was lucky to survive her first few days.
She was brought up in a religious household in Port Seton with her mother Bella, father John, and two older brothers John and James. She attended Cockenzie Primary School and then follow-up school.
During the Second World War, Maggie worked as an agricultural worker on the Archerfield Estate. She said: “It was hard work, but I enjoyed it.”
She met her husband Alex at a wedding in the Pond Hall in 1946. They married in Chalmers Church in 1948 and had two children together, Isabel and Robert.
Like her father, Alex was a fisherman. He was often out at sea, so Maggie took on the role of both mother and father most of the time.
Maggie said: “Port Seton has always been my home.
"I grew up on Barracks Street, then Alex and I stayed in Golf Drive, then settled in Fisher’s Road. I’ve always loved being able to look out to the sea.”
As her children grew older, Maggie worked as a local home-help, supporting members of her community with daily activities.
Maggie and Alex were married for 52 years until he passed away in December 2000.
During this time, their extended family grew to include four grandchildren - Christopher, Melanie, Derek and Colin - and two great-grandchildren, Sarah and Ben.
Since then, Maggie has welcomed the arrival of five more great-grandchildren - Calum, Taylor, Aiden, Callie and Lucy.
Maggie has always enjoyed an active social life. She was a regular attendee at Chalmers Church, with the church paying a prominent role throughout her life, and she often organised events and activities, especially the afternoon teas, and continues to love a game of bingo or dominoes.
READ MORE: Cockenzie and Port Seton Old Parish Church to become a community hub
Maggie is also renowned for her travel adventures. She said: “Together, my friends and I would get up in the morning and head to Edinburgh Bus Station. Where we would end up was anyone’s guess.
“We’d see where the next bus was going and hop aboard. Sometimes it was Dundee, sometimes Livingston, and it wasn’t uncommon for us to arrive in Inverness for a day trip too!
“It was a good way to get out and about, enjoy the scenery and a good natter!”
Maggie continued to live independently at home until she suffered a fall, breaking her hip two years ago.
After a spell in hospital, Maggie was able to secure a place at Crookston Care Home in Tranent, where she resides today.
Isabel and her husband Alan continue to support her to enjoy day trips by car, down the coast to Eyemouth or over to Fife, especially if an ice cream is involved.
Maggie celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by her loved ones at The Fraser Centre, which was decorated with bunting and balloons to mark the occasion.
The highlight was a visit from the Vice Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian, Patrick Gammell, proudly representing the King, who passed on his well wishes to Maggie on her centenary.
She was also presented with a card from the King, delivered by Lyn Marshall, Deputy Lieutenant of East Lothian.
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