One hundred years on, Roy maintains standard

Mr Irwin, who now lives at the Guthrie Court Care Home, Edinburgh, will reach the grand old age tomorrow.

When asked the secret to long life, he said: "I didn't smoke or drink much, but I think it's a matter of luck really".

Born in Bangor, Co Down, on 11 June 1911, Robert John Morrell Irwin, known to all as Roy, was brought up by his father Reverend James Irwin, after his mother Renee died when he was born.

A Presbyterian minister, James became well known for his support for Irish independence, later remarried and moved to Scotland in 1928 to become minister of St Thomas' Church, Leith, until 1935.

While living in Dublin, the young Mr Irwin attended St Andrews College as a boarder. After finishing his studies at Merchiston Castle School, he started work at Standard Life Assurance in the Capital.

He remained with the company for 47 years, interrupted only by war service. After the war, he worked in its Bristol office, until he retired from the Dublin office in 1976.

A Dublin colleague, Dorothy Senior, paid tribute and said: "I can remember him standing at the counter in the front office each morning in the 1970s opening all the post. All letters had to be brought to his office in the afternoon for signing. Dear God help anybody if Roy found any mistakes - they made a rapid exit from his office to get things put right!

"He retired with the position of regional office manager. On the occasion of his retirement, the staff were invited to his home in Sutton, in north Dublin, where we enjoyed a lovely meal."

In 1984, Roy left Dublin and returned to Edinburgh, where he lived in a top floor flat in Mayfield Road, joining Craigmillar Park Church.

When he was 95, he moved from his flat to sheltered accommodation in Trinity. However, after suffering a fall he moved to Guthrie Court.

Outside of his work at Standard Life, Roy had a passion for music, and was a loyal choir member.

He performed solos at church and social occasions. Roy was also a keen horse rider in his younger days and enjoyed going to races when living in Dublin.

Until recently, Roy was a great reader and master crossword solver. He is still of a lively mind and likes to keep up-to-date on current affairs.

To celebrate his birthday, friends from both Dublin and Edinburgh, former Standard Life colleagues and members of the Craigmillar Park Church will attend a tea party at Guthrie Court.

Looking forward to his party and his card from the Queen, Roy said: "It will be interesting to see people again, some of whom I have not seen for over 20 years."