WWII veteran from Glasgow celebrates 100th birthday

Kenneth Clacher Kilgour, celebrated his 100th birthday this month <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
Kenneth Clacher Kilgour, celebrated his 100th birthday this month (Image: Supplied)
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A World War Two veteran from Glasgow has recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

Kenneth Clacher Kilgour, who resides at Whitecraigs Care Home in Thornliebank, turned 100 on May 15.

To commemorate the occasion, he was treated to a special trip to the Tall Ship Glenlee at the Riverside Museum—a vessel he helped to paint in his younger years.

Kenneth said: "Reaching 100 feels surreal.

"I’ve seen the world change in so many ways, but what matters most hasn’t changed – kindness, faith, and family.

"I feel very fortunate to have had a life filled with all three."


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Kenneth celebrated the milestone with a visit to the Tall Ship GlenleeKenneth celebrated the milestone with a visit to the Tall Ship Glenlee (Image: Supplied)


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A local of Glasgow's East End, Kenneth was born in Bridgeton in 1925 and brought up in Dennistoun.

He followed his school days with a career at the precision engineering firm Barr and Stroud and served as a corporal in the Royal Air Force during the final months of the Second World War.

Following his military service, Kenneth returned to work at Barr and Stroud, overseeing the manufacture of optical instruments, including periscopes used in various fields of industry and defence.

As a father of two children, Ian and Cora Joy, Kenneth has always placed a strong emphasis on family and faith throughout his life.

A devoted member of the Salvation Army, Kenneth credits his longevity to strong values and simple living.

He said: “I follow the motto of the Salvation Army and try to be a good Christian.

"Don’t smoke, don’t drink too much, and bring your family up with good values - that’s the key to a long and happy life.”

Kenneth's birthday was celebrated in style at Whitecraigs Care Home where he was surrounded by family, friends, and the sounds of the Salvation Army band.

And the celebrations aren’t over yet — in June, children from Butterfly Nursery will host a special party in Kenneth’s honour, continuing the festivities in recognition of his remarkable milestone.

Laura Allison, wellbeing lead at Whitecraigs Care Home, said: "Ken is an incredibly special member of our community, and it’s been a privilege to celebrate this wonderful milestone with him.

"His stories, values and humour bring so much joy to those around him and having the Salvation Army join us made it even more meaningful for him and all our residents."

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