Polish veteran celebrates 100th birthday in Easter Ross

Otton 'Otto' Stainke, believed to be among the last Polish veterans who settled in Easter Ross after World War II, celebrated his 100th birthday on 6 February with six local gatherings and a family reunion.

Otton 'Otto' Stainke marked his 100th birthday on 6 February with a week of community events and a family gathering. He is believed to be among the last of about 200 Polish soldiers who settled in Easter Ross after World War II. Otto was taken from his homeland during the war, experienced forced labour, and was reunited with his family through the Red Cross around 1949. He settled near Tain, worked on hydroelectric schemes and as a woodsman, and married Ena in 1947. Key details: - Name: Otton 'Otto' Stainke; celebrated his 100th birthday on 6 February. - He is believed to be one of the last surviving Polish veterans among roughly 200 who settled in Easter Ross between 1940 and 1949. - Family members travelled from Canada, Cork, Malta and Watford to join four children, many grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren for the milestone. - Otto was taken from Poland during WWII, spent time in forced labour, and was later reunited with family through the Red Cross around 1949. - He chose to remain in the UK, worked on five hydroelectric schemes and as a self-employed woodsman, and was a member of a local Polish choir. - He received six separate celebrations across local groups and venues, including the Bradbury Centre in Bonar Bridge, Tain Free Church and a gathering at Cairn Housing in Tain. Summary: The milestone was marked by multiple community events and an extended family visit, reflecting a long presence of the local Polish community. Otto's life includes wartime hardship followed by decades living and working in Easter Ross. Undetermined at this time.