Around 100 of Miss Paterson's friends and family gathered for the occasion, with museum chairman Mr Angus Miller on hand to introduce the Queen's representative in the strath, Fergus Laing, who presented the grand old lady with her special message of congratulations.

Grantown Highland councillor Basil Dunlop was also on hand to present a bouquet of flowers to Miss Paterson, who lives in the town's Grant House nursing home.

A musical tribute entitled 'Jean's Polka' was performed on the clarsach by Mrs Marie Napier before afternoon tea was served at the museum, where Miss Paterson cut her birthday cake.

Miss Paterson's niece, Liza Shoesmith, of Orkney, said her aunt had thoroughly enjoyed her day in the limelight.

She said: "We had a wonderful day, and about 100 people turned up, with friends travelling from Stirling and Forfar despite the poor weather. An exhibition of old family photos and family trees was on display, tracing the Patersons back to the late 17th Century in the Braes of Castle Grant, the Dava and Cromdale area.

Jean Paterson celebrates with family and friends at a gathering marking her 100th birthday in Grantown museum.

"The pictures included many of Jean, her sister Marion, brother Jock and an old photograph of their father kindly lent by Mr Ian Masson. We have a plethora of octogenerians and nonogenarians in our family, but Jean is the first to reach 100."

A further celebration was held at Grant House on Thursday, when staff organised a ceilidh in Miss Paterson's honour. She was then treated to a family lunch at the Garth Hotel in Grantown on Saturday.

Ms Shoesmith added: "Special thanks go to everyone who helped make Jean's day so special. She had many lovely cards, presents and flowers.

"Our thanks also go to the staff of Grant House for their very many years of superb care and for hosting her second party. My aunt always loves a bit of fuss, and I think we managed it."

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