Tuesday August 6th 2024
The Lord-Lieutenant of Midlothian, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Callander LVO OBE and Mary Paton.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
Midlothian resident, Mary Paton, celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday 1 August surrounded by family, friends and residents at a small party at Archview Lodge Care Home, Dalkeith.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Midlothian, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Callander LVO OBE TD and the Depute Provost of Midlothian Council, Cllr Douglas Bowen, both attended the centenary celebrations.
Mary Paton (nee Coutts) was born on 1 August 1924 in Upper Bow, Edinburgh and was one of five children. As a child she enjoyed music and dancing.
Following her first marriage, Mary went on to remarry in 1973 to Alexander Paton. Together they enjoyed holidaying on UK bus trips and driving holidays, with trips to the North of Scotland a firm favourite.
Mary Paton raised 6 children, with her family expanding to include 16 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Some of her family now reside in Australia and they stay in touch regularly.
Mary was a hard worker throughout her life, mainly working in a number of domestic positions. She worked at Hanover Sheltered Housing in Juniper Green as an Assistant Warden and then was promoted to Warden.
Mary would eventually become a resident herself at Hanover Sheltered Housing, enjoying the facility so much that she was happy to move in too. During her time at Hanover, Mary enjoyed meeting with the other ladies from the same residence for lunch at the local pub where they were very well known as ‘the golden girls’.
Mary then moved into Archview Lodge Care Home in Dalkeith about 3 years ago, after she required more support with her care.
She has quickly settled into life in the care home, enjoying the weekly bingo sessions, visits to the hairdresser and listening to music, especially the classical performances by André Rieu.
At her 100th birthday celebrations Mary was presented with an official birthday card from His Majesty King Charles III.
The Lord Lieutenant of Midlothian, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Callander LVO OBE TD, who commented:
“It was an honour to meet Mrs Paton and a joy to share in the celebrations of her special day. On behalf of Midlothian, I wish Mary good health.”
Mary and her family thanked the staff at Archview Lodge Care Home for arranging the event, and also thanked both the Lord-Lieutenant and Depute Provost of Midlothian for attending.
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