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Happy 100th birthday for Mina Stewart at Howard Doris Centre in Lochcarron; Former Wester Ross teacher gets birthday greeting from Queen on become centenarian


By Hector MacKenzie

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Mina Stewart said she was overwhelmed by the good wishes on her 100th.
Mina Stewart said she was overwhelmed by the good wishes on her 100th.

A much-loved member of a Ross-shire community marked a major milestone in unusual circumstances.

Mina Stewart celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by caring staff at the Howard Doris Centre in Lochcarron.

Several of her oldest friends and former neighbours were also able to greet her and sing Happy Birthday while gathering outside on the garden patio.

The highlight of the day came when the Lord Lieutenant, Joanie Whiteford, delivered a signed birthday card on behalf of the Queen.

Mina is a well-loved and immensely respected native of Lochcarron. During World War II she trained to be a history teacher at Aberdeen University.

She taught in the Scottish borders for several years before returning to Lochcarron in 1958 as headmistress in Craig school, Achnashellach.

In 1970 she moved to Lochcarron school where she taught several of the past and present staff at the centre who now provide her with care – while still minding their ps and qs.

Inevitably, the Covid-19 precautions reduced the number of well-wishers who were able to attend, but Mina was clearly delighted.

Mina said that she was overwhelmed by her visitors and the efforts that the Howard Doris staff had made to make her day extra special.

The centre is a sheltered accommodation complex with respite and day care facilities provided for local residents.


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