Piping in Mary's big birthday

But that’s just one of the surprises that Leslie resident Mary Fowler received this week as around 50 family, friends and neighbours flocked to her home to celebrate a very special birthday.

After all, it’s not every day that someone turns 100 years old.

As well as a special piper, Mary enjoyed a birthday party as her home became an open house for the morning.

Mary was born in Leslie on September 16, 1916, spending much of her formative years in the town.

She later married Peter Fowler, a miner from Cardenden, and the pair later spent much of her working life in Deale and other parts of Kent, where she was employed as a fruit picker and farm hand and Peter worked in mining.

She returned to Leslie in 1962, moving to the then newly built houses in The Bowery in the town, where she has remained since and where much of the celebrations took place.

But Mary was treated to not one but two birthday celebrations, with volunteers and friends at Age Concern Glenrothes also throwing a party in her honour.

“She’s a lovely lady and still looking fantastic for her age, and is still very much an active member of the group,” said Fiona Mackay, manager at Age Concern Glenrothes, where Mary regularly attends.

“Reaching 100 is an amazing achievement so it was only right we marked Mary’s very special day with a party that she could enjoy with friends.”