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NewsScottish NewsOldest woman in Scotland dies at 110

Oldest woman in Scotland dies at 110

Mrs Janet Sheed Roberts has died peacefully at her home, Hazelwood House, near Dufftown, Scotland.

She was the last surviving grandchild of Glenfiddich founder, William Grant.

Janet, or ‘Wee Janie’ as she was fondly known to the family, was the head of the Grant-Gordon family.

Mrs Roberts on her 110th birthday 

While she was never directly involved in the running of William Grant & Sons, she contributed greatly to the company’s expansion and international development.

“We have lost an incredible woman,” said Peter Gordon, Glenfiddich chairman and great-nephew of Mrs  Janet Roberts.

“My great aunt’s contributions to the business, and support for the family members who did so much to make the company the success it is today,  were immeasurable.

“She lived a remarkable life and witnessed great change at the Glenfiddich distillery over the past 110 years and she will be sadly missed by all of us.”

To honour Janet’s 110th birthday on August 2011, Glenfiddich released the Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve, with eleven bottles to mark each of the eleven decades of her life.

Mrs Roberts cutting her birthday cake 

Each of the bottles of 55-year-old whisky are to be auctioned worldwide for local charities close to the family’s heart.

To date, the sale of four of the bottles have raised approximately £185,000, with the proceeds going to charities in the US,UK and India.

Janet was born in the School House at the Cabrach. Her father, Charles Gordon was the local master who later joined William Grant and Sons in 1903.

Her mother was Isabella Gordon (née Grant) who was the youngest daughter of Elizabeth Grant and William Grant, the founder of William Grant & Sons.

Mrs Robertson graduating from University 

Janet and her family later moved to Glasgow where she studied at Glasgow University before studying law at Edinburgh University.

She was the only woman in her class and went on to practise with McGrigor Donald.

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