A Perthshire man who turns 100 on Christmas Eve credits his good health and longevity to his love of the great outdoors.
Willie McAvoy, who lives in a Crieff sheltered housing development, is celebrating the milestone with family and friends at Bield’s Strathearn Court.
Born in Clydebank, as a boy Mr McAvoy used to holiday by Loch Earn with his aunt and uncle where he picked up his love of Scotland’s hills.
On the year of his retiral at the age of 80 he bagged the UK’s second biggest peak — Ben MacDui.
Mr McAvoy’s daughter Peggy said she had no doubts about the reasons behind her father’s long life.
“He’s always been incredibly active, staying mobile, scaling some of the country’s biggest hills and of course, working up until his 80s,” she said.
“There’s no doubt he’s benefitted from an active lifestyle and the great Scottish outdoors.”
As well as celebrating his festive milestone over lunch, Mr McAvoy will enjoy an afternoon tea with neighbours in coming weeks.
Peggy added that good food may have also played a part in his excellent health.
“His wife, Peggy, was a wonderful cook and would always make a splendid Christmas dinner,” she said.
Since moving to Strathearn Court 15 years ago, Mr McAvoy has become an integral part of the community.
The local Bield representative at Strathearn Court, said: “Willie is popular with everyone who lives here.
“Turning 100 is such an incredible accomplishment and we’d all love to wish him a happy birthday and very merry Christmas.”
Part of the celebrations for Mr McAvoy included receiving a card of congratulations from the Queen.