A resident at an Edinburgh care home marked her 100th birthday in truly royal fashion.
Deirdre Stevens, who lives at Cairdean House on Redford Road in Colinton, celebrated her centenary with a special visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, arranged by the homeโs lifestyle team.
The celebrations continued with a classic afternoon tea in the shipโs tearoom, where Deirdre enjoyed her favourite whiskey and birthday cake.
She said:
โI remember seeing the ship in London years ago, but this visit felt even more magical.
โI felt like royalty myself. Thatโs my secret to making it to 100 actuallyโฆa daily tipple of whiskey!โ
Born in Bromley, Kent, Deirdre began her early years winning a scholarship to art college. However, when the college closed during the second world war, she turned to shorthand and typing. Her siblings joined the Womenโs Royal Naval Service and Royal Air Force, while Deirdre learned to drive and service military lorries as part of the army.
โThere was no power steering back then, so my arms were strong as anything!โ Deirdre said.
While serving, Deirdre met her first husband, Ian McPherson. He was a sergeant major and after the war, the couple settled in Kirkcaldy, Fife, before moving to London where Deirdre worked as a senior secretary and personal assistant for accountants and stockbrokers. She was among the first in her field to use computers for letters and spreadsheets.
Following Ianโs passing in 1962, Deirdre continued raising their daughter Maureen in London. Many years later, she remarried and retired in Bournemouth with her second husband, Steve.
After losing Steve in 2021, Deirdre moved to Scotland to be closer to family, settling in Balerno before choosing Cairdean House two years later.
Angela Burns, Home Manager at Cairdean House, said:
โIt was a real joy to celebrate Deirdreโs 100th birthday and to take her to see the Royal Yacht Britannia once again.
โDeirdre is a huge part of the Cairdean family and is always keen to get involved, whether itโs painting, tending the garden or sharing stories from her incredible life.
โWeโre passionate about helping residents live rewarding, meaningful lives, and Deirdreโs celebration was a wonderful example of the teamโs dedication to making every day special.
โA big thank you also to those at the Royal Yacht Britannia for helping to make Deirdreโs birthday so memorable.โ
Cairdean House has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care, with the home offering luxury facilities including a cinema room, hair and beauty salon and cafรฉ. The expert team provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care.
For more information about Cairdean House, please call Customer Relations Manager Leona Thomson on 0131 516 8460, email leona.thomson@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/cairdean-house.
