First class: Pensioner celebrates 101st birthday in style

A pensioner from Glasgow has celebrated her 101st birthday in style.

Edna Clayton was treated to a party, a visit from her son and a trip on Glasgow’s “boogie bus”.

It comes after she spent her centenary birthday alone due to lockdown restrictions and didn’t even receive a letter from the Queen due to an admin error.

But her birthday became a lot more exciting this year after staff at Hector House Care Home in Shawlands came up with an elaborate plan.

Following an online appeal, more than 30,000 cards arrived from all over the world.

And among the visitors to the care home on Monday was Edna’s godson, who only found out she was alive after watching a report on STV News earlier this month.

She also received a visit from her son, who she hadn’t seen because of lockdown restrictions.

Edna told STV News: “Oh, this is first class. Nothing last year. My son is the highlight of my birthday. He is my one and only son.”

Furthermore, Edna received a belated birthday card from the Queen.

Angela Todd, who works at Hector House care home, said; “We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed, by the amount of, not only cards, but gifts and flowers.

“The flowers are arriving by the dozen today and she did get that card from the Queen this morning, so she’s delighted about that, and she also got her letter from the Prime Minister.”

Edna, originally from Anderston, lived in Battlefield on the southside of Glasgow for decades.

She was a popular figure in the community and prior to lockdown was often seen with her son, James, shopping or heading to the local library.

Edna has lived through a world war, 25 prime ministers and now, a global pandemic. But her constant through it all is watching the news on STV.

She said: “John (MacKay’s) lost his hair! But he’s still as handsome as ever. Tell him that!”