I'm 110, it might be time to move into a care home

Published on Monday 22 September 2008 10:18

SHE'S lived during the reigns of six British monarchs, outlived the premierships of 25 prime ministers and survived two world wars.

But it was only six months ago that Edinburgh's oldest resident, Annie Turnbull, who turned 110 yesterday, felt the need to move into a care home.

Born in 1898 when Queen Victoria was on the throne, her life has witnessed the advent of TV, air travel and the birth of the NHS.

Yesterday, the birthday girl received a visit from Lord Provost George Grubb as staff and residents at the Victoria Manor Care Home in Leith celebrated the notching up of another decade.

Unit manager Muriel Walker said: "Annie's got a really good sense of humour. She always gets visitors – there's someone in every day.

"She's got lots and lots of fond memories. She remembers before cars and telephones. She's got her own telephone now, though, to keep in touch with all her family.

"Her eyesight is not so good now, but she still enjoys talking newspapers and books."

The Lord Provost described Mrs Turnbull as "a living history of social change".

In fact, she is even older than the provost's chain of office, which was created in 1899.

Born and brought up in Stoneyburn, West Lothian, Mrs Turnbull moved to the Capital after leaving school at the age of 14.

The year of her birth saw the introduction of Edinburgh's first motor buses – the Penny Stinkers – as well as the opening of the Glenogle Baths in Stockbridge.

She went into service as a table-maid – a job she held for most of her life.

Although the job was hard, it gave her the chance to meet some well-known people, including author Rudyard Kipling.

She lived in Easter Road until the age of 92, before moving to the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

Earlier this year, she decided to move into the nursing home.

Her friend Eleanor Cunningham said: "She's so sharp. She has got a better memory than me. She really is a wonderful lady."

Thought to be Scotland's second-oldest woman after Alexina Calvert of Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, she puts her longevity down to hard work and a daily glass of sherry.

She was joined at yesterday's birthday bash by her two daughters, three grandsons, one granddaughter, five great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters.