Oldest person in Scotland dies after 109 years enjoying the simple life

A GREAT-great-grandmother who became the oldest living person in Scotland earlier this year has died aged 109.

Marion Richardson put her longevity down to clean living - and the fact she managed to avoid jury duty when she was called last year.

The widow - known to her family as Nannie - took over the title of Scotland's oldest resident following the death of Edinburgh woman Annie Turnbull, who was 111.

But it emerged last night that Mrs Richardson, who lived with her 87-year-old daughter Margaret in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, had passed away peacefully on Monday.

Her grandson David Gracie paid tribute.

Mr Gracie said: "She lived a very good life, and we all feel so privileged to have had her with us for such a long time.

"Nannie was just a wonderful person who lived life to the fullest, and that's how I'll remember her.

"Her passion was baking and she was absolutely fabulous at it. She would often throw a batch of scones into the oven before church so that everyone could come back and enjoy hot scones after the service.

"She took a great interest in life and could talk about anything, as she lived through both wars and so much history, and always read her newspaper every day.

"Nannie spent her retirement enjoying the company of family and friends, and we could write a book of all her stories.

"Everyone who came in to see her was welcomed with a smile that would have lit 1,000 lamps, it was a great pleasure to know her and we really appreciate that she was with us for so long."

When Mrs Richardson was 108, she was called up for jury duty but was excused when the court clerk realised her age.

• Born to brave, new world

She had two daughters and a son, 19 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

Speaking earlier this year, she said: "I've lived a simple life - that's why I've lived so long. I don't smoke or drink and I've never done anything too extravagant. I like peace and quiet."

Mrs Richardson trained as a seamstress after leaving school at 14 and she married husband Charles when she was just 19. They remained together until his death in 1959 aged 62.

Mr Richardson worked with British Railways and the couple moved to Lanarkshire, finally settling in Airdrie.

Remarkably, Mrs Richardson had never been abroad until she visited Canada aged 75.