Glasgow grandmother credits gin for long life

A GRANDMOTHER from Glasgow has revealed the secret of her long life is indulging in small pleasures such as an occassional gin with orange juice.
Ina Carruthers celebrated her 105th birthday on St Andrew's Day. Picture: SWNSIna Carruthers celebrated her 105th birthday on St Andrew's Day. Picture: SWNS
Ina Carruthers celebrated her 105th birthday on St Andrew's Day. Picture: SWNS

Ina Carruthers, who celebrated her 105th birthday on St Andrew’s Day, also credits a diet of wheat-bran cereal, toast, and biscuits.

Born in 1910, Ina worked as a machinist and an engineer in a factory during World War Two and managed to score a wage three-times higher than her male counterparts.

She is now a resident at Aisla Craig care home in Glasgow.

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Ina married her husband William at London Road Church in Glasgow and the pair had their reception at a nearby tearoom.

The couple had three children - Ian, 70, Maureen, 65, and Sarah, who died of appendicitis when she was eight.

Ina said that living a long life “takes hard work” and requires a lot of effort.

“It takes hard work to live a long life and you have to put the effort in. I worked hard during the war while I raised my children,” she said.

“I also think it’s important to treat yourself, and in my case, gin with orange juice is one of my favourite indulgences.

“I used to go dancing every Monday at a club in Cessnock, and I’d be sure to order it.”

Ina told how she was “lucky” to be able to get a job as a machinist during the war with a salary higher than that of her male co-workers.

She said: “I got very lucky with the job I had - I started off as a machinist then worked my way up to become an engineer.

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“Most workers would be paid £3 a week but my salary was almost £9, which meant I could treat myself more often.

“One time, I splashed out and bought a brand new fur coat.”

Kathleen Glasgow, manager at Ailsa Craig, said: “Everyone was delighted to help Ina celebrate the big day.

“Ina always has fantastic stories to tell and is such a pleasure to be around. She’s popular with everyone who lives and works here.

Residents and staff had a fantastic time helping Ina to celebrate with drinks,

refreshments and party food - alongside traditional Scottish cuisine for St Andrew’s day.

“Turning 105 is such an incredible accomplishment and we’re all so proud of Ina.”

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