Marion Finlayson first modelled in the 1950s © SWNSA sprightly grandmother who graced the catwalks in the late 1940s and 1950s has made a return to modelling at the grand old age of 80.
Elegant Marion Finlayson first modelled as a teenager before starting on a career as a teacher.
But now, following the death of husband Bruce after 54 years of marriage, the keep-fit grandma is once again wowing crowds.
Mother-of-two Marion, from Aberdeen, strutted her stuff at the city's Marcliffe Hotel to launch her local council's 50 Plus Festival and admitted she loved every minute of it.
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"I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hadn't done it since I was a student in the late 40s. Luckily I don't have nerves anymore so I just got up there and had lots of fun,” she said.
"I couldn't believe the crowd. There were about 300 or 400 people watching and they were great.
"I don't want to take all the credit as there were three or four other people up there with me, but they were all applauding us, which was lovely."My husband, Bruce, died a year and a half ago after 54 years of marriage, a very good marriage, and I found it very difficult to overcome it.
Marion modelling in the 1950s (left) and today (right) © SWNS"But doing this catwalk has really helped. I've got to meet lots of new, younger people, which I think is good for me.
"I even had a muscly personal trainer in tartan to walk me down the catwalk."
Marion, who is grandmother to Antonia, 13, and Andrew, 11, said she loves to keep fit and is open to the idea of modelling regularly in the future.
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"I like to stay active. I do yoga, pilates and tums and bums classes every week. My grandchildren are a handful as well, they're always running about,” she said.
"The modelling was something different and I would definitely do it again. If anyone asks me I will have a go - it's better than doing the ironing.
"I've been interested in fashion all my life and I'd be the first to admit that I'm a bit of a shopaholic."
The vintage model, who was a teacher at Albyn School before going on to work with special needs children, said friends and family have been a great help since Bruce's death in December 2010.
"I've got a wide group friends and my family live just around the corner, so I consider myself quite lucky,” she said.
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"I used to go on holiday to Italy a lot with my husband, and I wasn't sure about going away on my own.
"But I've gained a lot of confidence recently and I thought to myself, 'no I'm not going to stay at home, I'm going to go'. After going to Italy I even went to Mauritius."
"People like Marion have got involved in what’s going on and it’s clear to see how much she’s benefiting and enjoying events like the Fashion Evening,” said Councillor Len Ironside from The Aberdeen City Council Convener of Social Care and Wellbeing.
"I hope more people will follow in Marion’s footsteps and think about coming along to one of the many events being staged across the city."
