Church community marks Dornoch resident's 100th birthday

The 100th birthday of a “very special” Dornoch resident has been marked by his church community.

St Finnbarr’s Episcopal Church celebrated regular churchgoer Eric Dawson’s milestone with afternoon tea and a special cake following the service on Sunday - the day before his actual birthday.

Sutherland Lord Lieutenant Patrick Marriott was at the event to present Mr Dawson with his birthday card from King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla. Dornoch provost Paddy Murray was also in attendance.

Father Simon Scott, the priest at St Finnbarr’s, congratulated Mr Dawson on behalf of the congregation and also delivered a special blessing befitting to the occasion.

Father Scott said Mr Dawson was a “very special man we all hold dearly in our hearts” and that he was “loved and cherished by us all”.

Children from the church enthusiastically helped the new centenarian to blow out his candles - the magnificent cake made by Meghan Diricles was in the form of the number 100.

There were more celebrations and a second cake, also made by a member of the congregation, at a special gathering on Mr Dawson’s actual birthday the following day – Monday, February 13.

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