Ayr's Ella celebrates her 106th birthday

Jan 2 2009 by Stuart Wilson

Ella McMillan

AFTER 106 years, it’s safe to say Ella McMillan has seen it all.

But the Ayr veteran still loves the festive season – especially when her birthday falls on Christmas Eve.

And Ella was in fine form as she toasted her latest milestone with family and friends at Creggan-Bahn Court nursing home.

The former music teacher, who played bridge until she was 100, was also a keen runner, golfer and hockey player in her day.

And she was also a star in the pool, where she became an exhibition diver.

Ella, originally of Hamilton, can count on a strong back-up cast with three daughters and a large group of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

South Ayrshire provost Winnie Sloan was on hand to present Ella with a bouquet of flowers, while Ayrshire’s depute lord lieutenant Nancy Mortimer delivered a telegram from the Queen.

Provost Sloan said: “Ella is an astonishing lady who has led a very interesting life.

“Celebrating a 106th birthday is indeed a remarkable occasion and it was lovely to see Ella enjoying her very special day.”