A belated birthday present proved the icing on the cake.
When Stephens Bakery heard that one of the secrets to 106-year-old James Crombie’s long and happy life may be one of their pies, the firm cooked up a surprise.
For they donated piles of pies and cartons of cakes to Mr Crombie and fellow users of Dunfermline’s Jean Mackie Centre.
The Courier told how the former Royal Marine police officer credited his longevity to a nip of brandy, Scotch pies and some regular exercise.
He revealed he had been going to hic local bakers, Stephens in Dunfermline, for more than 90 of his 106 years, crediting the family firm, which itself dates back to 1873, for serving the “best pies around”.
“Stephens are the best pies around, hot or cold. I’ve been going there since I was eight years old.
“That could be another secret to my old age,” added the ardent Dunfermline Athletic fan.
Although he lives with his granddaughter Coreen, Mr Crombie is a regular at the Jean Mackie Centre.
It was there that bakery staff presented their birthday baking bonanza to him, along with a bottle of his favourite tipple.
Stephens’ managing director Andr Sarafilovic said: “We are delighted to hear we have played a small part in the long and healthy life of James.
“And as we all know – the secret is a well-balanced diet …. with a pie in each hand!”
Picture by David Wardle