Erskine care home resident Bill celebrates 100th birthday

Rashielee Care Home in Erskine put on the bash for Bill McCrorie with help from fan platform Bars for Bears and its founder Suzanne Milligan, as well as fans who donated balloons and cakes.

Ibrox Hall of Famer Bobby Russell came along to join in the celebrations while singer Diane Kerr had residents and staff up dancing as she ran through a string of classic Rangers songs.

Bill with Suzanne and Bobby (Image: Newsquest) Bill, who has five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, told the Gazette: “I am overwhelmed.

"Thanks to everyone for making it a fantastic birthday day.

“I never dreamt of this. You are all invited to the next 100th.”

Bill and Bobby (Image: Newsquest) The centenarian, who was born and raised in Govan, married his late wife Sheena in 1949 at the now demolished MacGregor Memorial Church.

Together the couple had two sons, Douglas and Ewen.

In 1976 they moved from Renfrew to Inchinnan where Bill stayed until he became ill two years ago and moved into Rashielee.

A chartered engineer, he completed his studies on nights and worked at British Polar Engines, a manufacturer of diesel engines, where he met Sheena.

Later he worked for the North British Locomotive Company for a couple of years before becoming the works director at AF Craig in Paisley from 1951 until 1990.

He was then a consulting engineer for about ten years after he retired.

Mason and Bill (Image: Newsquest)“I was rather proud,” he explained. “I started as an office boy on eight shillings a week.”

“I’ve had a good life.

As for the secret to longevity, he added: "I don’t drink. Not because I abhor it. I just didn’t like it. It was a blessing.”

Bill started following Rangers as a child and never missed a game with his wife.

“I started supporting Rangers at eight years old," he explained.

"They were just down the road, so we used to walk up and get in for the last 20 minutes of the game for free when they opened the gates."

(Image: Newsquest) The celebrations were rounded off this morning with a rousing rendition of Simply the Best and, of course, happy birthday.

Bill was then set to head out for a lunch at restaurant Coast with his sons and their wives.

Tomorrow he will be accompanied by pupils over the road to Rashielea Primary where he will be treated to some songs.

Also in attendance at the party was 11-year-old Mason from the school.

Bill was Mason’s “grandbuddy” during an intergenerational project between the care home and the primary last year.

Together the pair enjoyed talking about their favourite football team.

Kirsty Cartin, the care home manager, added: “Bill loves reading and gets involved in everything.

"He also loves going to our soup club on a Wednesday.

“I just love talking to him.

"He has a wealth of knowledge and knows everything about everything.”