Scottish twins the oldest in world at 102

Published on Tuesday 7 February 2012 15:14

TWO Scottish twins have been named the oldest in the world by the Guinness Books of Records.

Edith Ritchie and Evelyn “Evie” Middleton are 102.

They celebrated their latest birthday on November 15 last year.

The twins, whose maiden name is Rennie, were born on a farm near Newburgh in Fife when Edward VII was on the throne.

They have remained close over the past 102 years and now live together in Bonnyton House care home in Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

Although not identical, their mother always dressed the girls exactly the same.

After leaving school, the pair worked on farms before leaving to start their own families.

Evelyn married William Middleton and had four children, 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Edith married Nathaniel Ritchie and had four children, nine grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Neither of them has ever travelled outside of the UK.

When asked her secret to a long life, Edith said: “Simple living, hard work and a good husband.”

Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday said: “Edith and Evelyn are a remarkable pair. When they were born the likes of Mark Twain and Florence Nightingale were still alive and we had yet to conquer the South Pole.

“They’re not just the oldest in the UK, they hold the world title. They’ve clearly benefited from good genes and a solid lifelong friendship that only twins can truly understand.”

Comments

There are 4 comments to this article

Order by:

• Newest first
• |
• Oldest first

Page 1 of 1

• 1
• Show all

4

GHR

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 02:18 AM

I think the important number here is 102.Congratulations to both.

• Report Unsuitable

3

tartantt

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 10:27 PM

Congratulations ladies. You represent a wonderful generation. Lang may yer lum reek.

• Report Unsuitable

2

joewood

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 05:56 PM

Not three, two Scottish twins is four individuals! The two of course was incorrect.

• Report Unsuitable

1

Goskun

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 04:57 PM

EEN ? Two Scottish twins ? Are you sure there weren't "three" twins ?

• Report Unsuitable

Order by:

• Newest first
• |
• Oldest first

Page 1 of 1

• 1
• Show all

Logged in as:

Comment here. Start typing your comment here:

Post comment

Please adhere to our Community guidelines

Your view

Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.