A Lochaber senior citizen has proved once and for all that you’re never too old to learn.
Lilian Wylie from Kinlochleven has just passed an exam on information security at the age of 92.
And the Salvation Army major’s remarkable achievement means she can go on helping her beloved church.
Major Wylie is a member of the community church in Kinlochleven and she assists with a range of different programmes as well as financial duties.
But a change in the Salvation Army’s accounting system across the UK meant that she had to complete a course to demonstrate her understanding of the new policies and procedures.
Major Wylie was not in the least put off by having to sit an exam, knuckled down and passed it with flying colours.
The nonagenarian is a dab hand at using modern technology too as she received an iPad for her 90th birthday.
Salvation Army church leader, Major Janet McIntyre, paid tribute to her dedication and hard work.
She said: “The support I get from Lilian is so vital. She has been a big part of our church here for so many years.
“The course itself was needed to enable Lilian to approve the expenses for our church.
“It was quite time-consuming because of all the different aspects that need to be learned, but Lilian took it all in her stride. She’s amazing.”
Major Wylie, who is originally from Devon, was the officer in charge of the Salvation Army in Kinlochleven almost 70 years ago. But other appointments took her all over the UK before she returned to live in the village.
She said: “I never thought I’d be taking courses at the age of 92, but I’m delighted to have completed it successfully. It means I can continue helping with the finances of the church.”
Major Brian Slinn, divisional commander of the Salvation Army in the north of Scotland, said: “It’s a remarkable achievement for someone of 92 years of age in order to facilitate the mission of the Salvation Army. Well done Lilian.”
The Salvation Army in Kinlochleven runs a range of programmes for the local community, including a cafe church, open doors coffee morning, computing classes, singing group and a children’s music club.
