Happy birthday to Margaret McKie, a Scotsman reader and crossword solver for 70 years – Scotsman comment

Could it be that The Scotsman is a secret elixir of life – in a paper and online form?

Scotsman crossword fan Margaret McKie celebrated her 100th birthday on Wednesday. The crossword in the paper on that day was dedicated to her

We are in no way claiming that it is, just asking the question, you understand. And fair enough, if pressed, we would almost certainly agree that the answer is, a little disappointingly after the big build-up, no.

However, we are delighted to point out that Margaret McKie, a Scotsman reader for 70 years and a particularly avid solver of our crosswords, has just celebrated her 100th birthday – with the puzzle in Wednesday’s edition dedicated to her.

“I wouldn’t do without it,” said told us of her long association with the paper, “Even when I was on holiday I had to go and find a copy.”

Admittedly the sample-size in this poll of one is as small as it could be.

But there is considerable evidence to suggest that staying mentally active and engaging with society at large is good for us, particularly as we get older.

So regular daily battles to crack a particularly tricky six across or 14 down until the crossword is solved could help to keep us sharp into our twilight years. And keeping up with current events in Scotland and beyond might also be a help.

SCOTSMAN CROSSWORDS: Digital subscribers can now access our interactive crosswords online – the perfect way to challenge yourself on the go.

There are no real ‘elixirs of life’, just imaginary ones. But a healthy diet, regular exercise – even if it is just a brisk walk – and something to challenge your mind are probably about as close as we can get to one.

Happy birthday Margaret. May you keep solving our crosswords for many years to come.

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