Agnes Marjory Donaldson Lyall (nee Duncan) was born at 44 The Roods, Kirriemuir on August 2, 1906.

She was one of seven children of Alexander Skinner Duncan and Annie Baxter Duncan (nee Donaldson).

Her nephew, Don Duncan from Alyth, contacted the Dispatch and Herald to explain his aunt had celebrated a milestone birthday earlier this month in a residential home in Caledonia.

He said: "Agnes was patrol leader of the White Rose Patrol, 3rd Kirriemuir Company Girl Guides.

"At the age of sixteen she was offered a position at Buckingham Palace as an assistant sewing maid because of her neat needlework.

"This offer was instigated by a sister-in-law of Sir James Barrie who lived at the top of Forfar Road, opposite the "Window in Thrums".

"Unfortunately her mother considered her to be too young and refused to allow Agnes to take the job.

"She recalls emigrating to Canada on the Athenia out of Glasgow about 1927, to marry Gordon Lyall, also from Kirriemuir."

The couple lived firstly in Toronto then latterly in Caledonia, Ontario where they set up their own bakery business.

They had one daughter, Ann (still living in Hagersville, Ontario) and two sons - Angus, who died in 1993, and Arthur who is married and lives in Caledonia, Ontario with his family.

Agnes was a very keen bowler and won many prizes.

Mr Duncan continued: "As the longest serving member of the club, she was given a special presentation and life membership.

"On achieving her 100th birthday, Agnes received the usual cards from the Queen and Governor General of Canada."

Her family comprises one daughter, one son, 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.