And joining Margaret at Ashlea Court in Ashgill, were two other Margarets - South Lanarkshire’s Provost Margaret Cooper (who presented her with flowers and a certificate from the council) and Deputy Lieutenant for Lanarkshire Margaret Morton, who presented her with a certificate from The King and The Queen Consort to mark Margaret’s Centenary achievement.

Margaret, who did not have the easiest life, always says to her family that “you should enjoy life and make the most of what you have”.

Margaret was born in Cowdenbeath on 30 May 2025. The youngest of five children, her love of music encouraged her to learn the accordion by the age of 12 and she was soon in demand for weddings and other local functions.

When WW2 broke out, she set off to sign up to be a WREN. But on the way she met a friend who was going to be a Land Girl. Margaret liked the sound of that so joined up with her friend.

And to this day she always says that it was very hard work but one of the most enjoyable times of her life. She is very proud of the Women's Land Army medal she was presented with in 2008.

After the war Margaret married in 1948 and had her daughter Rita the following year. She later returned to work as a cashier in the bus company she had previously been a conductress.

She retired at 60 and in 2019 moved from Cowdenbeath to live with her daughter and husband Ian in Auchenheath. Margaret is now gran to Valerie and husband Gordon, Scott and his partner Lynne.

She is also a great grandmother to Jack and Nikki – and of course the family dog Flynn. Margaret remained active and independent for many years but eventually moved into Ashlea Court in 2023. If you would like the Provost to attend a Diamond Wedding or 100th birthday please get in touch with the Provost’s Office.