Three Scots siblings who were all born on New Year’s Day – exactly one year apart – are once again celebrating their unique birthdays.
Sheila Evans, 75, Margaret Laing, 76, and Donald Irwin, 77, all arrived into the world on January 1.
On New Year’s Day 1948, Marion and John Irwin of Drumlemble in Campbeltown welcomed a baby boy, Donald.
On January 1, 1949, a girl, Margaret, arrived. And on January 1, 1950 the couple celebrated the birth of another baby girl, Sheila.
The trio grew up in a family of nine, with four brothers and five sisters and have since gone on to raise broods of their own.
Sheila welcomed two daughters Sheila Morag in 1969 and Joanna McKenzie in 1973.
Speaking to the Record, proud daughter and niece Joanna said: “There were definitely no New Year drinks for our granny!
“But every year, this is really such a nice thing to look back on and highlights how special the three of them are.
“They are all remarkable humans. They came from such a large family and lived in a small prefab house with 11 people in it.
“They were just hard working Scottish people.”
Joanna’s auntie Margaret was happily married for over 50 years and she has wonderful memories celebrating her and husband Peter’s golden wedding anniversary. The pair have a daughter, Marna, and twin boys Peter and Donald.
Margaret was one of the first people to be diagnosed with Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) in the late 80s and has lived with the condition throughout her life.
Margaret Laing
(Image: Supplied)
Joanna’s uncle Donald welcomed two daughters, Donna and Karen, and worked as a JCB driver for over 50 years. Joanna said he prided himself in never taking a days annual leave. He loved working and took his retirement in his 70s.
Throughout their lives, Sheila and Margaret worked as cleaners.
Donald and Margaret are still living in Campbeltown, while Sheila has moved to West Lothian.
For years, the siblings marked their special occasion together, while many Scots were nursing hangovers. Their birthday celebrations often included sharing a cake and listening to music together.
But sadly, Joanna revealed her mum now suffers from dementia and it’s harder to get all three together.
She added: “Back in the day, they celebrated their birthdays together. However, as they’re a bit older now it doesn’t come as easy.
“My mum has dementia and my auntie Margaret lost her husband last July so they’ve been going through a hard time.
“But when they were younger they’d love to meet up and enjoy their day together.”
Donald Irwin
(Image: Supplied)
Sheila Evans
(Image: Supplied)
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