Provost salutes Stirling centenarian who’s still flying high

Stirling Provost Douglas Dodds has raised a glass to help mark the 100th birthday of local resident David Berrie.

Provost Douglas Dodds is pictured with Davie Berrie, his family and friends at his recent 100th birthday celebration.
Provost Douglas Dodds is pictured with Davie Berrie, his family and friends at his recent 100th birthday celebration.

The Provost presented the former World War Two airman from Cambusbarron with a bottle of malt whisky from the Deanston Distillery as he joined family at a birthday tea to celebrate Mr Berrie’s special day.

Mr Berrie was a flight sergeant in a distinguished career with the RAF. During World War Two, he was a Lancaster Bomber wireless operator and rear gunner and was also a POW in Germany before being liberated by the Russians.

A remarkable man

The Provost said: “David is a remarkable man who has lived a rich and fulfilling life. The love and affection in which he is held by his family and friends was reflected in the turnout at his birthday celebrations. It was a lovely afternoon of warmth and reminiscence.

“It was an honour to salute his service and mark such a special occasion with a presentation on behalf of the people of Stirling.”

Mr Berrie, a father of three, has nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Thanks

His daughter, Elizabeth O’Rourke, said: “We were joined by 30 family members and friends at the Bellfield Centre and we’d like to thank staff and everyone who attended, including the Provost.

“Dad also received a card from King Charles and the Queen Consort and the only sadness was that our mum, Margaret, passed away in September – they had been married for 78 years.

“The secret of a long life? Dad has never smoked, even as a POW, and he and mum still enjoyed taking walks into their nineties. He has always been slim and blessed with good genes.”