Hector McDonald, a Sight Scotland Veteran member from Livingston, recently celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and special guests, including Rangers legend Barry Ferguson.
While the party was a highlight, Hector says his greatest thanks go to the charity that has transformed his life since he became visually impaired.
Hector, who lives with sight loss due to macular degeneration, has been a regular visitor to Sight Scotland Veterans’ Linburn Centre in Wilkieston, West Lothian, for the past 20 years. Attending every Monday and Friday, he says the centre has been a lifeline, helping him to remain active, connected, and surrounded by friends.
Hector comments: “Sight Scotland Veterans have been such a great support. They do so much for all of us, making sure we are not left feeling isolated at home. I love going to the Linburn Centre, it’s like a second family to me, I go every Monday and Friday, and I really wouldn’t miss it."
"Since I lost my sight, the support I’ve had from Sight Scotland Veterans really has been incredible. They’ve helped me stay active and connected and I’ve made some wonderful friends. I feel so privileged to have a place like the Linburn Centre to come to each week.”
To mark the special occasion, Hector’s family organised a celebration at Howden Park Centre in Livingston, where he was joined by friends, Depute Provost Peter Heggie, and the Lord-Lieutenant of West Lothian, Moira Niven. The day was made even more memorable by a visit from former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson, who presented Hector with a signed shirt.
The Linburn Centre also hosted a birthday celebration of its own, where Hector’s family joined fellow veterans and staff for a day filled with music, laughter, and even a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday from a piper.
Originally from Govan, Hector served in the Royal Navy from October 1943 until September 1946, braving the perilous conditions of the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Arctic Convoys – a vital but dangerous mission that helped sustain the Allied war effort. For his courage, he was awarded the Atlantic Star. He later served in the Pacific, including operations in the Philippines and Japan.
After the war, Hector worked in the railways, shipyards, and later at the BMC in Bathgate, before settling in West Lothian, where he has lived for many years. Earlier this year, he travelled with Sight Scotland Veterans to London to take part in VE Day celebrations at Horse Guards Parade as a guest of the BBC.
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