Centennial Celebrations in Thornliebank
A resident at Whitecraigs Care Home in Glasgow shared the secret to his long life as he celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends, fellow residents, and the sounds of the Salvation Army band.
Kenneth Clacher Kilgour marked his centenary with a day of music, memories, and a special visit to the Glenlee, the historic Tall Ship at Glasgow’s Riverside Museum, which he once helped paint in his younger years. The birthday visit was a nod to his roots in Glasgow’s east end, having been born in Bridgeton on 15 May 1925 and raised in Dennistoun.
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
Kenneth, Resident at Whitecraigs Care Home
After leaving school, Kenneth began his career at Barr and Stroud, a precision engineering firm, before enlisting in the Royal Air Force in the final months of the Second World War. He served as a corporal until 1948 and then returned to civilian life, where he took pride in overseeing the manufacture of optical instruments, including periscopes, used in various fields of industry and defence.
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.”
Back at Whitecraigs Care Home, residents and staff came together for a party with live music and entertainment, followed by an evening performance from the Salvation Army, a fitting tribute from an organisation that has long been central to Kenneth’s life.
The festivities will continue into June, with children from the local Butterfly Nursery hosting a birthday party in Kenneth’s honour, bringing different generations together to celebrate his remarkable milestone.
Kenneth, who has two children, Ian and Cora Joy, has always placed strong importance on family and faith. Reflecting on his long life, 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.”
Whitecraigs Care Home, located in the southside of Glasgow, provides residential, nursing and dementia care, with a strong focus on wellbeing and community. The team is dedicated to ensuring residents live full and meaningful lives, a philosophy reflected in the joy and care poured into Kenneth’s birthday celebrations.
Laura, 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.”
Renaissance Care is a nationwide provider of quality, personalised care across a range of care homes across Scotland. With a focus on personalised care, dignity, independence, and respect, Renaissance Care tailors care to meet the unique needs of each resident, ensuring they lead fulfilling lives in a supportive, homely environment.
