Huge congratulations to Catherine Craigie who celebrated her 100th birthday in style on Wed 15th April, despite the Coronavirus lockdown.

Staff at Glasgow’s Hawthorn House Care Home in Possilpark which is run by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, arranged a special celebration for the great grandmother who has lived at the home since May 2018.

In line with the rules around Shielding, Catherine was serenaded by a piper who played outside a lounge window in the home’s courtyard. Other residents with rooms overlooking the outdoor space were also able to enjoy the music safely from their windows. The tunes included a range of Scottish songs and, of course, Happy Birthday.

Visitors are currently unable to enter all UK care homes, due to the Corona Virus pandemic, but Catherine’s family were able to share in the fun using technology, as staff used tablets to video call them throughout the party.

Catherine’s daughter, Rena McDonald (aged 70 years) from Largs said: “It was absolutely fabulous. The staff could not have done any more to make it special for my family. Before lockdown, we were all planning to go and celebrate with mum on her birthday. I was really upset when I realised we wouldn’t be able to go.”

“I thought I’d have a miserable day, but the staff went above and beyond to make it really special for her and the party really lifted my spirits. My mum looked great, her carers had done her hair specially, as the hairdresser isn’t allowed to visit at the moment. They’d got her birthday cake, balloons, nibbles and a wee glass of fizz. I was able to watch her blowing out her candles and opening the cards we’d sent in. She also had her telegram from the Queen. I’d like to say how wonderful the staff have been. I can’t thank them enough – our family are so grateful to them.”

Councillor Mhairi Hunter, Glasgow’s Convener for Health and Social Care, congratulated Catherine on her landmark birthday and thanked staff at the home for their hard work and thoughtfulness.

She said: “It is really lovely to hear about Catherine’s special birthday party and I send her my very best wishes on this milestone occasion. Her experience and that of her family, are a real tribute to our residential care home staff who are working hard, in to make life as safe, rich and full as possible for residents and their families at this challenging time.”