Special memories and new beginnings were shared on a red letter day at Arbroath Infirmary on Sunday.
Almost exactly 50 years to the day since offering a warm Angus welcome to Queen Elizabeth, the hospital’s Queen Mother wing was the setting for a day of celebration and a wonderful trip down memory lane for a number of guests.
The Lord Lieutenant of Angus, Georgiana Osborne, led the dignitaries invited to mark the milestone, aimed at celebrating the official opening on September 26, 1961, and acknowledging both the past and present delivery of the range of healthcare services and the dedication of the staff who work in the wing.
A range of displays and a guided tour of the wing given to the lord lieutenant by NHS Tayside chairman Sandy Watson helped chart the changing times at the Arbroath hospital. But the story of the royal day was truly brought to life by VIP guests who were part of history half a century ago.
They included Grace Robson from Carnoustie, the first baby to be born in the new wing. And as the official proceedings were being completed, a short way along the first-floor corridor the latest new arrival at the Queen Mother Wing was settling into her first day in the world.
Letham mum Sadie Grant and her son Porter Michael Jamieson found themselves the centre of attention after the tot’s arrival at 4.17am, weighing 6lb 8oz, on the hospital’s big day.
Press cuttings of the day recalled the celebration surrounding Mrs Robson’s special place in the history of the wing and she said she was delighted to be part of the celebration.
”I was the first baby born, about three weeks before the official opening by the Queen Mother, so my mum would have been out of the hospital by then, but it is very special to be part of this and I’m absolutely delighted,” she said.
One man very much to the fore during the royal visit of 1961 was Captain Brian Vale, who carried the colours of the Black Watch as the Queen Mother took the salute in front of the hospital.
Brian, now 76, travelled from Northampton for Sunday’s celebration to renew an acquaintance with the town which was his home for six years.
”I did national service and then joined the TA, and in 1960 I was moved up here by the Metal Box company to build their new factory in Arbroath,” he recalled.
”I transferred to C Company 4th/5th Black Watch in Arbroath and was a lieutenant there at the time of the Queen Mother’s visit.
”It is one of the proudest days of my life and the Queen Mother was a wonderful lady who put you completely at ease.’
Photographic displays capturing the past 50 years of the wing were on view during the afternoon and Mrs Osborne spoke of both the sterling role played by the facility and its staff.
”The Queen Mother held a very special place in her heart for the people of Angus because, having grown up at Glamis Castle, she considered it her home.
”How lucky we are in Angus to have this wonderful Queen Mother Wing.
”The team here can be extremely proud of what has been achieved in the 50 years and I have no doubt that it will continue to go from strength to strength in the years ahead,” she said.