An Ayrshire village went above and beyond to make sure one of its own senior citizens celebrated their 100th birthday in the best possible fashion.
Tarbolton’s Catherine Gourlay was inundated with cards, flowers, gifts and congratulations from scores of well-wishers.
There were even dozens of message left for Catherine to read on social media.
But the cherry on the birthday cake was undoubtedly the message of congratulations that arrived from Her Majesty the Queen.
When Cathy was born on August 15, 1922, the UK Prime Minister was Labour’s David Lloyd George.
And there were other notable events that year such as the finalisation of the Partition of Ireland, the discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamen, by Howard Carter, and the BBC was formed.
During the Second World War, Cathy joined the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) where she learned to drive trucks, vans and ambulances.
And it was that experience which helped her to become the independent lady that she is today.
On her big day, family members made sure she was given the VIP treatment with a drive around Ayrshire in a Bentley before she was presented with a treasured photo album.
Then the party got into full swing with family members and friends dropping by to see the birthday girl.
Daughter-in-law Isobel Gourlay, who lives in Mauchline, said: “Cathy lives by herself but she is a very independent lady. And at 100, she looks amazing! She’s got a can-do attitude. They don’t make them like her any more.
“She goes out walking every day, visits her cousin and she’s still very active.
“But the Tarbolton community have been brilliant. Neighbours dropped by with cards and even the local Spar collected cards for her too!
“Basically, the Tarbolton community gave her surprise after surprise. The community has really rallied round.”
Sadly, Cathy’s husband Robert, known as Bobby, and son and daughter, Ian and Lorraine, are no longer alive, but the family tree extends to her five grandsons and four great-granddaughters.
Her grandchildren call her "The Legend Granny Gourlay".
And her secret to a long life? Isobel says it’s her love of green tea – and three cups of it a day.
Isobel said: “She is so independently minded and it’s been great to celebrate her birthday in this way.
“Every surface in the house is filled with cards and she’s got more flowers than a florist, the village has surpassed itself.
“I’d personally like to thank the village of Tarbolton who went over and above to make Cathy’s birthday so special.”
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