Virtual party for Speyside centenarian
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A MORAY care home resident celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday in a virtual party with loved ones.
Margaret – better known as Peggy – McConnachie is a resident at Speyside Care Home, in Aberlour, closed to visitors during the pandemic.
But using Facetime, Peggy was still able to celebrate the big occasion as she connected with relatives and waved to those who had gathered in the care home's garden to cheer her through the window.
She was said to be "still buzzing" today after the occasion and was delighted to receive a congratulatory message from Her Majesty The Queen.
Peggy was born and brought up at 44 High Street, Rothes, before moving to Glasgow to study nursing. However, family illness forced her to return home to be with her mother, who was blind, and her grandparents.
In December 1940, she married Jock McConnachie who was on leave from the Gordon Highlanders. After the war they moved to Allardyce Crescent, in Aberlour, where they lived throughout their married life and had twin daughters.
She and Jock enjoyed many holidays at home and abroad. They visited Italy – where Jock had been a prisoner of war – on a number of occasions to remember the fallen.
Peggy had several jobs over the years and worked at Walkers until she retired. A music-lover, she enjoys playing her piano and electric organ.
Her pride and joy are her six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Jock sadly died 16 years ago and Peggy continued living in her own home until she moved into Speyside Care Home two years ago.
Louise Queen, manager at Speyside Care Home, said: "Peggy had a lovely party and was delighted to see so many of her family, albeit virtually or from a distance.
"She has been overwhelmed by the many wonderful birthday messages she has received from family and friends and, of course, Her Majesty The Queen."
