To make Betty Neil’s 100th birthday even more special not one but four pipers helped her get the celebrations underway.
Betty was so surprised when members of the East Kilbride Pipe Band showed up to entertain her and all the caring staff and fellow residents at Whitehills Care Home this week.
Betty was also joined by South Lanarkshire Provost Margaret Cooper who gave her flowers and a certificate on behalf of the council.
And Deputy Lieutenant for Lanarkshire Alison Plummer DL presented Betty with a certificate from The King and The Queen Consort to mark her reaching 100.
Betty was born on 17 July 1924 and grew up with her parents William and Agnes in Vulcan Street, Glasgow. She also had a twin sister Ella, two other sisters and four brothers.
She went to Hyde Park school then left and went to work as a machinist at local firm D&H where she met her husband Tommy.
The couple couldn’t have children but Tommy always said he married Betty because he wanted to be with her, not to have a family.
And when asked what was Betty’s secret to reaching 100 she said “having a good husband who was full of fun”.
Tommy was in the Navy and worked as a marine engineer. When he was transferred to Bedford in England with his job, Betty soon followed and they stayed there for more than 30 years.
When Tommy suddenly passed away Betty stayed there for a while but moved back up to East Kilbride to stay with her brother and sister-in-law in the Village.
Betty enjoyed going to church and was involved in the church Guilds.
In 2021 Betty moved to Whitehills Care Home, a place she says she really enjoys staying in.
Betty enjoys her visits from her niece Liz and husband John and her friends come to visit her as well.
If you would like the Provost to attend a Diamond Wedding or 100th birthday please get in touch with the Provost’s Office
