MacMoray Festival organiser praises ‘incredible’ ambulance team as daughter is born in ambulance in Fochabers
An “incredible” duo of ambulance workers have been praised by a “scared” father after a roadside birth.
MacMoray Festival organiser Andy Macdonald became a dad on Saturday, September 7, when his partner Angela gave birth to Macie.
Andy - who tragically lost his ex-partner and their baby in 2022 - admitted he was “so scared” when the ambulance driving Angela to Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin pulled into a layby for her to give birth.
However, he was reassured by ambulance technician Elaine Mair, from Findochty, and paramedic Vicki Sutherland, who stays in Portessie.
He has given the pair VIP access to next April’s MacMoray Festival as a token of his thanks for their support.
"We had planned a home birth, however she was born in an ambulance,” he said on Macie’s arrival.
"We had to ring the ambulance first thing in the morning due to some complications.
“We have to say that the medical response team were incredible. I couldn't be happier.
"When the ambulance had to pull up, I'm not going to lie, I was so scared.
“I was in bits and so was Angela. Elaine and Vicki came and absolutely reassured Angela and put us both at ease.
"Then they brought so much positive energy - before, during and after.
"I'm so, so happy and relieved that she arrived safe and sound.
"They are absolutely brilliant and I could never thank them enough. They are coming to MacMoray as a thank-you."
Elaine was driving Angela in an ambulance from her home in Clochan, near Buckie, to Dr Gray’s when she had to pull over in a layby in Fochabers for the birth.
She said: “We only got about two miles and I said to Vicki ‘How’s things?’ and didn’t get a reply. About 20 seconds later she said ‘We have to stop’.
“We got Andy to come in and the baby was born in the layby.
“Angela was exceptionally amazing. She wasn’t complaining about pain, despite contractions. I can’t say how great she was.”
Elaine explained that Andy quickly contacted her after the birth to give updates on Macie and to offer the pair - who are both big music fans - VIP tickets to MacMoray.
“I took photos of Andy and Angela with the baby on my phone because Andy had left his in his car,” Elaine said.
“After that he text me updates with Macie and said he wanted to give us free tickets and backstage passes.
“We are over the moon. Not only did we get a really good job, where we are delighted with the outcome, but for him to give us the tickets is an amazing gesture.
“We are always delighted when a patient is happy. It’s just the job we do and we both really enjoy it. We want to make sure patients get the best care and take time with them.
“I was at the very first MacMoray and made the first two or three. Vicki hasn’t been so that will be a first for her.
“We look forward to seeing Macie in the future - maybe at MacMoray!”
