Elgin’s Spynie Care Home hosts 100th birthday and golden wedding anniversary celebrations
A care home had two reasons to celebrate with a 100th birthday and a golden wedding anniversary in quick succession.
Spynie Care Home in Elgin marked the milestones in the lives of two of its residents in November.
Resident Madge Buchan marked 50 years of marriage with her husband Mike by her side.
The couple wed on October 26, 1974, at St Rufus Kirk in Keith.
They have two children, Katrina (born 1976) and James (born 1978), three granddaughters - Caitlyn, Saffron, and Grace - and a great-granddaughter, Ophelia.
Madge and Mike’s relationship blossomed after meeting at a barn dance in Dipple in 1972.
Their secret to a happy marriage? "We like to spend time together," Mike shared.
The couple enjoyed many holidays with their children when they were younger and, later, adventures abroad once the children had grown.
Madge’s work life included roles at Baxter’s, Keith Community Centre, and Asda in Huntly before she devoted herself to caring for others at Weston House in Keith.
Mike’s career spanned construction, working for Wimpey’s in the 1970s, Press Construction, Turriff Construction, and finally, Scottish Water. The couple has remained local to Newmill and Keith throughout their lives.
An avid classic car enthusiast, Mike still takes Madge out for summer drives in their cherished 1963 Hillman Minx, creating precious memories despite her move to Spynie Care Home.
To celebrate their golden wedding, there was a special tea party.
Moray-born Jim McArthur celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by his loving family, including one granddaughter who travelled from Australia for the occasion.
Married to Nan for more than 60 years, they raised three children together and are blessed with 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Jim, who loved walking around the village with Nan, spent his entire life working on a farm before retiring and taking up running, a passion that led him to compete in marathons both at home and abroad, including in Malta and Jersey.
His life was celebrated with a small family party at Spynie. Jim was proud to receive a birthday card from the King and Queen, which held a place of honour during the festivities.
Maggie Scott, RMN, Home Manager at Spynie Care Home, said: "It’s heartwarming to see the love and joy shared between families and friends during such significant moments.
“Both Jim and Madge’s celebrations are reminders of the wonderful lives our residents have led and the cherished memories they continue to create."
