A 103-year-old great-gran from Dundee who puts her long life down to a love of hot curries is in the running for a national award.
Margaret Phillips, a resident at Bupa’s Balcarres care home, was dubbed the ‘nan who loves naan’, thanks to attributing her good health and longevity to a love of fine Indian cuisine.
The super-centenarian, who has 16 great-grandchildren, was born in Dundee in 1912, but spent almost 15 years living in India with her second husband.
During her stay in India, Margaret discovered a love for the spicy dish, and boosted her talents in the kitchen.
Now it’s emerged that the 103-year-old is in the running to be crowned this year’s Curry Lover of the Year at the Scottish Curry Awards 2016, having received an impressive number of nominations from members of the general public.
She is one of seven people shortlisted for the coveted title.
Speaking ahead of the event, Margaret’s daughter, Jacqueline, revealed that her mum is famous within the family for making a fine curry.
She said: “She certainly makes a mean curry and, before she moved to Balcarres, she was famous within the family for her curry suppers, which she would hold on a regular basis.
“The whole family is thrilled that she has been nominated. It was a huge surprise but we honestly cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Curry Lover of the Year title.
“We would like to thank everyone who has voted for her to get this far. We all have our fingers crossed for the big night but either way she is already a winner in our eyes.”
The Scottish Curry Awards 2016 are to be held at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow on April 4.
Margaret is regrettably unable to travel to the awards ceremony, so her grandson will be attending on her behalf.
To ensure she doesn’t miss out, Balcarres will host a celebratory curry night the same week, serving up a feast of fiery dishes, including Margaret’s favourite prawn madras.