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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Stephen Norris

Well-known Galloway man celebrates 100th birthday

One of Galloway’s oldest and best known citizens celebrated his 100th birthday at home with family and friends on Tuesday.

The Lord Lieutenant for the Stewartry Lord Sinclair and his depute, Chris Walker, presented James Finlay with a congratulatory card from the king.

Daughter-in-law Wilma Finlay told the News afterwards: “He is in full form today. We have about 10 people here and he wants to be part of every conversation.

“We got him an electric wheelchair and he still goes about the farm in it. He is still in good health and is doing remarkably well.

“All of us are now settling down to enjoy the Borgue coffee morning.”

Mr Finlay was born at the Ross, Borgue on May 16, 1923 to a family line of five generations of farmers.

He served with the Kings Own Scottish Borderers at the crossing of the Rhine where he received a leg injury.

James married Mary-Lou Kerr in 1953 and moved to Rainton farm where their six children were born and raised.

The new centenarian has 18 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Farming aside, Mr Finlay has always taken an active interest in local community affairs, including being president of the Gatehouse of Fleet Burns Club for many years.

His son David added: “Father has led a full and active life and still likes to see what is happening on the farm every day.”

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