THE company of others and a good laugh have been key ingredients in the recipe for a long life for a Wee County centenarian.

Lucie Dorothy Low turned 100 on Thursday, September 5, with the milestone marked by a birthday luncheon in Dollar.

Well-known for her sewing skills, the centenarian lived across Scotland before moving to Dollar and then to Alloa.

Friendship has been paramount for her over the years and Lucie still enjoys good company and a laugh, telling others that the secret to a long life is to “just be happy with what you have”.

Born in Birmingham in 1924, Lucie met Scotsman John Alexander Low during the war.

(Image: Gregor Boyd)

John was a kilt-wearing Aberdonian, from a farming family just outside Ellon, and the two of them would often go ice skating together.

The couple had five children who gave them 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and, to date, three great-great grandchildren.

Lucie, neé Hill, and John moved to Scotland after the war and lived in various places as he pursued a science teaching career.

Trained as a seamstress, and a competent homemaker, Lucie made excellent wedding dresses for brides when living in Golspie.

And after the first four children had flown the coop, she turned her hand to running a bed and breakfast in Perth.

Lucie also joined the Women’s Rural Institute to use her creative talents and served as president in Stanley, Perth and Brora.

There were many highlights over the years as the couple and their children travelled extensively in Britain to enjoy camping holidays.

Lucie’s trip of a lifetime was during one of numerous visits to family down under when she enjoyed a 10-day cruise on the Diamond Princess around New Zealand and over to Australia.

Following the passing of John at 97, Lucie moved to Dollar to live closer to her youngest daughter Janet, who looked after her every need.

At the age of 99, and after a spell of illness, Lucie became a resident at Parklands Care Home in Alloa where staff look after her well.

For years, her highlight of the week has been the Thursday Lunch Club Café at the Village Kitchen in Dollar where she still attends.

(Image: Gregor Boyd)

And with her big birthday also on a Thursday, Lucie was celebrated at a special party with champagne corks popping.

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Daughter Jenny and her partner Sev travelled all the way from New Zealand to help mark the milestone while son Chris and daughter-in-law Vanessa were also there to put on a great party along with the kitchen team.

Lucie was piped in by Donald Cowan while Provost Donald Balsillie was also in attendance at the event.

(Image: Gregor Boyd)

Village Kitchen CEO Alexandra Ostroumoff-Croucher said: “We had such a wonderful time celebrating Lucie’s birthday with her friends and family this week and were really touched that they chose our lunch club, as a favourite place of Lucie’s, to host the event.

“When Lucie recently moved to Parklands Care Home, our team ensured we would find a way to maintain a connection with her and we owe special thanks, particularly to our volunteer Mary Trikas and our beneficiary and volunteer officer Pauline Reynolds for making sure we can always transport Lucie to the lunch club.“