Agnes marks 100th with birthday gift for charities

When she was born in India in 1910 the country was taking its first tentative steps towards independence, with Gandhi having just published his first thesis on Indian home-rule.

Today, Haddington centenarian Agnes hasn't lost the charitable nature she inherited from her parents, whose missionary zeal took them to India 100 years ago despite her imminent arrival into the world.

To mark the milestone Ms Hamilton asked her family and friends to make a donation to Christian charities, including the Bethany Christian Trust, rather than giving her birthday gifts,

She celebrated turning 100 with a tea party at Holy Trinity Church Hall.

A spokeswoman for the Bethany Christian Trust in Edinburgh praised her kind donation.

She said: "We're touched that Agnes has thought of us. Her kind donation in lieu of birthday presents will enable us to keep supporting homeless and vulnerable people.

"Agnes is our oldest supporter and we all wish her many happy returns."

Shortly after she was born in India, Ms Hamilton's parents brought her back to live in Scotland.

She lived in Edinburgh for most of her working life, spending 40 years as a teacher at George Heriot's School.

She later became a volunteer at National Trust for Scotland property The Georgian House in Edinburgh, before moving to Haddington in the mid-1980s, where she volunteered at its day centre for the elderly.

A 100th birthday celebration is not an unusual occurrence for the Hamiltons. Ms Hamilton's two sisters, Maureen and Kit, both reached a century before they passed away - while her brother Alexander lived until he was 94.

At her party she was presented with a birthday card from Her Majesty the Queen by Patrick Gammell, deputy lord lieutenant, who paid tribute to her many years as a primary school teacher.

Also enjoying the occasion were nephew Ian, niece Rosalind McMillan and nephew-in-law Alexander, along with members of her extended family.

Ian said: "She was one of four children - there were three daughters and a son, who was my father - and my father died when he was 94.

"Her two other sisters were also over 100. Longevity is in our genes, I guess.

"She has always had many interests, and is always interested in people. She is a wonderful person and has many friends and acquaintances."

Throughout her life, Ms Hamilton has kept busy as a keen spinner, reader, and lover of nature. Until a recent fall, she exercised with regular daily walks.

The party raised 225 for the work of Bethany Trust whose mission is to relieve the suffering and meet the long-term needs of homeless and vulnerable people.