Tipple keeps Marion in tip-top condition at 100

The secret to a long and happy life is a "wee brandy" every day, according to the son of West Lothian's latest centenarian.

Marion Bell celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday surrounded by family and friends at the Pentlandview Court care home in Livingston at a massive celebration to mark the milestone.

Her son, John, a retired policeman in West Lothian with 30 years' service, even said she was under doctor's orders to keep up her daily tipple as she was a shining example of health.

"I can tell you that the secret to her long life is having a wee brandy every single day," said John.

"She says that herself but the doctors always say that whatever she is doing to make sure she doesn't stop. She's a hardy old bird as well."

Mrs Bell was born on March 28, 1911, in Arniston, Midlothian. She was the third oldest of five sisters and a brother and has outlived all of her siblings.

She worked at the world-famous Henry Widnell and Stewart carpet manufacturers in Bonnyrigg along with other members of her family before meeting and then marrying her husband of 56 years, John Bell.

They were wed on Christmas Day in the Bonnyrigg manse in 1931. Mr Bell was a miner who died due to lung complications brought on by his time down the local mines.

The couple had two sons, John, 77, and Alexander, 74, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

John added: "My mum and dad loved their holidays in their bike and sidecar. They went all over Britain and Ireland in it before they got a car.

"She did have a couple of holidays abroad but she loved her sidecar holidays. She shuts her eyes going over the Forth Road Bridge.

"She is a very sociable person and would talk to anyone. If she met someone at a bus stop she would know everything about them by the time they got off the bus.

"She's a bit hard of hearing now, but has a good circle of friends around her at Pentlandview and likes her bingo there. She loved gardening as well and always had ours looking great."

Mrs Bell moved to Pentlandview Court sheltered housing complex just over two years ago to be closer to family who live in West Lothian.

Lord Lieutenant Isobel Brydie, the Queen's representative in West Lothian, read out a message from Her Majesty to Mrs Bell at the celebration party.

West Lothian Provost Tom Kerr was also there. He said: "It was wonderful to meet Marion and members of her family to mark such a special milestone.

"On behalf of everyone at West Lothian Council, I'd like to wish Marion a very Happy Birthday.

"A wonderful lady and I look forward to visiting her on her 101st birthday."