Dad & daughter remember grandfather on VE Day

Dozens of residents at the Fairview Court retirement complex in Milngavie celebrated the 80^th anniversary of VE Day in style with a fish supper and music from the Bearsden Ukulele Group.

One of the band members is resident Jim McCall, who had a special double celebration when his daughter, Professor Elaine Boyd OBE DL, a Deputy Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, attended the event on behalf of King Charles.

‘I am honoured to be here to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of VE Day and importantly to show gratitude for those who have served in His Majesty’s Armed Forces and to those who continue to serve,’ she said.

‘This is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made, the courage displayed, and the resilience of those brave people who put their lives on the line - on the ground, in the air, and on the oceans - to keep us safe and to build a better world for our children.’

Jim’s father James McCall Senior, lost his life in WW2 aged 29 while serving with  the Highland Light Infantry. He was the sub postmaster in Bearsden when he was called up to join the Army.

Elaine wore her grandfather’s military decorations to the event.

She had a long conversation with 104 year-old Betty who spoke about her role in the war and how she went to the La Scala cinema in Glasgow in the evenings to operate a lathe making components for bombs and was very pleased to have played her part.

Betty said her secret to reaching 104 was that she never smoked and hasn't drunk alcohol since her husband died.

Her 81 year old daughter makes her dinner for her in batches. She has mince and potatoes most nights and alternates between adding onions and carrots.