HAMISH Mackellar, an old friend and neighbour, will be 100 years of age tomorrow.

For most of his working life he lived and farmed at Shellfield Farm on the shores of Loch Riddon in the Cowal peninsula of Argyll. As long as I have known him he has been a tremendous fan of The Herald, has gone to considerable lengths to make sure that he had his daily news fix and got most upset when he was occasionally deprived of his copy.

Initially it was delivered by the local postie, but, when this service was withdrawn, he quickly arranged for alternative delivery to the farm. When, a few years ago, he moved to Abbeyfield at Kames, then well into his 90s, he would undertake the daily walk to the local shop to fulfil his addiction; no mean feat when it required a round trip of about 500 yards. Latterly he complained that while he was still able to get there, he found the return journey a bit much as it was uphill. He was not put off, however, and chatted up a local "dolly bird" to drop off a copy of The Herald at Abbeyfield for him.

Although he has lost a lot of his mobility, his mental agility and recall are quite amazing for a man of his age. I have little doubt that, in no small way, this is due to the content of The Herald which he still reads daily from cover to cover as he enjoys his local, national and international "craic"'. He probably one of the best adverts I have ever come across for your newspaper.

As his 100th birthday approaches, Hamish and the pleasure I know he has obtained from reading your paper over the years have been much on my mind. At a time when some sections of the press have been getting much adverse criticism, I would like to pass on my personal thanks for the benefits The Herald staff have unknowingly bestowed on my old friend. Long may they continue to do so.

George Wylie,

Lochhead Cottage South, Glendaruel.