Two Ayrshire families celebrate rare feat as baby girl's arrival gives them five living generations

Daily Record

7 days ago

The Gillespie and Affleck families welcomed little Emmi into the world on Monday, May 12.
Two Ayrshire families are celebrating the birth of a bouncing baby girl that means they have five living generations on both sides.
The Gillespie and Affleck families welcomed little Emmi into the world on Monday, May 12 and Emmi's arrival has given both families the opportunity to celebrate.
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Not only do they have a beautiful new addition to their families, they also boast a rare feat that involves a great-great-grandparent, great-grandparent, grandparent, parent, and child all being alive at the same time.
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While families with four living generations are more common, having two families connected in a living five-generation heritage is much rarer.
A spokesperson for both families said: 'On the 12th of May, a beautiful new chapter began for two proud families in East Ayrshire as little Emmi made her entrance into the world, weighing a perfect 7lbs 4oz.
'With her arrival, she didn't just bring joy and love — she brought history to life, completing five generations on both sides of her family.
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'A moment like this is incredibly rare and deeply special — few families are lucky enough to witness five generations alive at the same time, let alone on both maternal and paternal lines.'
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Emmi is the cherished daughter of Danni Heather and Dinos, a couple who themselves are deeply rooted in family tradition and community.
At just 26, Danni steps into motherhood with the strength and warmth passed down from her mum, Heather, aged 44, and grandmother — another Heather — who is 67.
At the top of this strong maternal line stands Betty Affleck, Danni's great-grandmother and Emmi's great-great-grandmother, a remarkable woman of 92 years who carries decades of wisdom and love.
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On Emmi's paternal side, the Gillespie family proudly mirrors this generational legacy.
Her dad, Dinos, aged 42, is the loving son of Billy Gillespie, a spirited 70 year-old, and grandson to Cathy Gillespie, a graceful 91-year-old matriarch. Together, they now welcome the newest Gillespie with open hearts and joyful tears, seeing in Emmi the continuation of a family line rich in heritage.
The spokesperson continued: 'It's rare and precious to witness five generations all standing together, bound by love, history, and the shared pride of a new life.
'Both the Gillespies and the Afflecks, all residing in East Ayrshire, are overjoyed — not just at Emmi's arrival, but at what she represents: continuity, connection, and the enduring strength of family.
'Welcome to the world, Emmi. You are the light of five generations, and your story is just beginning.'