Home   News   Article

Love in lockdown as Muir of Ord and Tain care homes help couples separated by coronavirus crisis mark anniversaries


By Hector MacKenzie

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Anne Mowat receiving her anniversary gifts from Angus.
Anne Mowat receiving her anniversary gifts from Angus.

THREE Ross-shire care home residents have celebrated their wedding anniversary in lockdown.

It was a bittersweet moment for the three, separated from their loved ones during the Covid-19 pandemic.

But care staff pulled out all the stops to ensure they enjoyed themselves on their special day and friends and relatives took to Facebook to wish all three couples a happy anniversary.

At Innis Mhor in Tain, resident Angus Mowat raised a glass to wife Anne as they celebrated their 62nd anniversary. The couple were married at Burghfield Hotel in Dornoch in 1958 and have three children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Angus Mowat
Angus Mowat
"I am where I am because of Angus and Anne. They looked after my daughter while I was at university doing my nursing training. As a single parent, I couldn’t have completed my training without that support. So, it’s lovely to be able to now care for Angus. He’s quite a character.”
Jackie Macrae
Sheila Campbell
Sheila Campbell

The anniversary was especially poignant as the couple used to babysit for care home manager Jackie Macrae while she was at university studying to be a nurse.

She said: “I am where I am because of Angus and Anne. They looked after my daughter while I was at university doing my nursing training. As a single parent, I couldn’t have completed my training without that support. So, it’s lovely to be able to now care for Angus. He’s quite a character.”

Doug Miller
Doug Miller

There was a double celebration at Urray House in Muir of Ord as resident William (better known as Doug) Miller marked the anniversary of his marriage to Benita, while fellow resident Anne (better known as Sheila) Campbell toasted her anniversary to husband Andrew.

Urray House manager Sarah MacCallum said: “It has been a difficult few months for residents in lockdown, unable to see their family and friends, but everyone is making the best of the situation. Doug and Sheila both had an enjoyable day and are looking forward to being reunited with their loved ones.”

Related: Care home boss 'humbled' as staff tackle biggest ever challenge

'We'll Meet Again' poignant pledge from care home residents

Forget Glastonbury - Tain care home residents have own music festival in lockdown

Ross care home residents share VE Day memories


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More