Agnes ‘Inez’ Borthwick, who spent over 90 years in the same house in Millport, has sadly passed away in her 102nd year.

A member of Hutton Park Care Home in Largs, Agnes, or Inez as she preferred to be known, lived in the same house in Churchill Street for 91 years of her life, and it was believed to be one of the secrets behind her longevity.

In an interview with the Largs and Millport News two years ago, nephew Graham Dewhirst explained: “She was born on 18 September, 1912 in Glasgow and her family moved to Millport when she was four and they moved to Churchill Street. They lived two flights up and Agnes lived in that house for 91 years. There is no secret to her long life other than the fact that she had to trail up and down those two flights of stairs several times a day for 90 years. It kept her fit!” A former Girls Guide member, Agnes didn’t get married until 1965 to Sandy, who became her husband after she met him on a bus trip. The islander used to travel all over the UK and the continent on bus trips.

Agnes lived on the island with her brother William and sister Lily. William was part of the Millport platoon which was captured by the Nazis during the D-Day landings, and became a prisoner of war until he was released some years later.

After leaving school, Agnes went to work for the post office in Millport which was where she was to spend the rest of her career. Her job involved various occupaitons and she became most recognised for being the telephone operator.

As part of a special tribute, the North Ayrshire Guides carried out the presentation for her 100th birthday at Hutton Park in Largs.

The funeral service took place on the afternoon of Wednesday 24 September at Cumbrae Parish Church, and thereafter to Millport Cemetery.