Monday March 9th 2026
103-year-old Alice Gallacher celebrating her birthday
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
A 103-year-old gran was celebrated during international women’s day at an east end community centre she has attended for two decades.
A 103-year-old gran will be celebrated during international women’s day at an east end community centre she has attended for two decades.
At her impressive age, Alice Gallacher said she still has no real worries regarding her health as she gets ready to mark the date at the Bridgeton Community Learning Campus.
Great great-grandmother Alice, who has worked at the Meat Market and as a lollipop lady, said she enjoys the company at the facility and the gossip.
When asked about her long life Alice said: “My health is fine. I have nothing really to worry about. I don’t smoke, which has helped.”
Going to the east end hub helps keep Alice connected and busy as it allows her to catch up on the “gossip and news” as she doesn’t get out as much.
She continued: “I enjoy the company., They are really, really nice people. I have been coming for years. I started coming when they first opened.”
Recalling days gone by in Bridgeton, she said: “All the kids played together. Everybody helped each other out. Everyone was so friendly years ago. I worked in the meat market. It was good work. Everybody had to work to live.
“Everybody was in the same position as yourself.”
Remembering how she walked to work very early in the dark mornings with “no worries” from Bridgeton to the meat market at Bellgrove Street, she said: “We would be afraid to go out now. Everything has changed.”
She added how there are fewer shops and she no longer knows all the neighbours in her local area.
Going weekly to the Bridgeton Community Learning Campus is vital to helping Alice and many others keep active and social according to manager Lesley Ward.
Commenting on Alice, Lesley said: “She comes here every week and looks great. She is a wee trooper and is our national treasure. She has lived in Bridgeton since she was seven.”
Knitting and lunches are among the activities Alice took part in at the Dale Street venue, which is funded by grants, other funding sources and supported by a number of organisations including the council.
Lesley said: “Alice is very community minded and doesn’t have a bad word to say about anyone. She has a great mindset. She has lived a good life and has travelled – she went on a cruise two years ago.”
Explaining how important the community building is for residents, Lesley said: “If you don’t have community facilities. You have people staying at home. It is no life – sitting in front of the TV. They come here, talk to people and find out what is happening in their community.”
Lesley said keeping connected to others helps boost zest for life. She highlights the importance of keeping community facilities funded to provide vital connections.
Lesley said international women’s day at the centre will be “about celebrating women.”
There will was a tea dance on Monday, March 9 and former Brookside actress Sheila Grier is due to make an appearance.
Activities at the centre include computing, a creche and jobseeker support among others.
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