Annie Robertson of Craigmillar has celebrated her 100th birthday with a gathering of family and friends.
Annie Robertson (nee Brannan) was the centre of attention at a party in her home yesterday, as well-wishers packed in to congratulate the popular centenarian on reaching the landmark.
She was born on August 26, 1908 at Blackfriars Street in the Ol
d Town as one of seven children and part of a large family with relatives across the Capital.
She attended St Ann's School in the Cowgate, where as a youngster she met the man she would eventually marry, George Robertson.
The pair wed at Canongate Kirk on August 7, 1931 and held their reception at the nearby Manse.
Annie said: "It wasn't a particularly romantic wedding. I just had to walk down the stairs from my house and go to the minister's as he only lived next door.
"We had a great time. I remember how George asked me to marry him. He just said one day, 'How about it then, darling?'. He was a very good man."
Annie and George had three children. Agnes, who sadly died 15 years ago aged 60, Joanne, 73 and Eddie, 65.
Annie is also a proud grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother!
Joanne said: "She has always been a very good mother to us. We had everything we could ever have wanted.
"She's still able to tell us off as well – there is no doubt about that."
Annie worked as a cleaner at Moray House, off Holyrood Road, when her children were young, while George was a labourer and eventually worked for the Post Office.
During the war, while George served with the Royal Regiment of Artillery, Annie volunteered as a warden.
She said: "I remember being given a hose that we were to use in emergencies, but I used it to clean my windows instead.
"I also remember one night looking up at the sky with my brother and telling him to look at the shooting stars as something fell.
"He said: 'Annie, it is two aeroplanes'."
After the war, the Robertson family moved from their home in Dumbiedykes, to The Inch and eventually, in 1962, to Annie's current home in Niddrie Farm Grove.
George died 35 years ago and Annie has remained in the house ever since, taken care of by her wide circle of friends and family.
At her party, loved ones made sure her house was filled with balloons and decorations – including a banner on the front window – and an outdoor gazebo was erected.
Cards and gifts were proudly displayed, along with her message from the Queen.
The guests enjoyed the music of Vera Lynn – Annie's choice – as well as food and drink.
She said: "I don't really feel any different turning 100. I am still the same person and have the same people around me."
The full article contains 488 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
