PICTURES: Droman resident marks 100th birthday with family and friends at party in Kinlochbervie village hall
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Mary Morrison from Droman, Kinlochbervie, celebrated her 100th birthday in Kinlochbervie village hall last Friday surrounded by many friends and three generations of her family, writes Fiona Burnett.
Mary was born at Kempy, Loch Eribol,l on April 14, 1923, the eldest child of Johan and James Clarke and one of seven children.
School was the vestry in Eriboll Church until she was 14.
During World War II, she joined the WRAF serving four years at the Special Burns Unit at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire.
She married Angus Morrison from Droman, who served as a skipper on a minesweeper for the Royal Naval Reserve, returning to his family home where they raised their three children Patricia, Marina and James, and where Mary continues to live.
A proud memory for Mary is when she was invited to Buckingham Palace with her husband where he was presented with the George Medal from King George VI.
“I was given a uniform, made specially for that day. I was given time off which would not be taken off my leave,” said Mary. “We spent a week in London at a special club for married couples. So that was a happy time.”
She continued: “The first person to receive a medal was a young man on crutches. “A wee boy seated nearby suddenly shouted out in a loud voice, ‘That’s my daddy!’”
The family home became a popular B&B over the years with guests, many becoming friends, returning year after year .
Mary baked exceedingly good cakes as well as serving a hearty breakfast and a tasty evening meal. It was a busy but enjoyable time for her and she was a great hostess to the many guests who stayed with her.
She later worked as a home help for several people in the area and also worked briefly in the kitchen at the former Garbet Hotel in Kinlochbervie, learning a few extra tricks to add to her existing culinary skills.
Deputy Lieutenant Neil MacDonald from Scourie presented Mary with a card from King Charles and his wife Camilla.
Mary would like to thank everyone for their gifts, cards, flowers and best wishes.
Special thanks go to to the Kinlochbervie village hall committee and The Old School Restaurant for their outstanding work and help in making it a very special day. And thanks also to Donnie Macdougall, Laid, who provided musical entertainment on his accordion.
