PAT Burton was a well-known figure in East Lothian, after moving to North Berwick 36 years ago.
She was a political agent with East Lothian Conservatives before being elected as a councillor to the former Gladsmuir ward in 1992.
After serving four years on East Lothian Council, she turned her attention to community work in North Berwick.
Pat was involved in the town’s Scottish Seabird Centre from its inception, selling fundraising bricks on North Berwick High Street and arranging events such as a night with the late Ronnie Corbett.
In 2013, she was appointed a trustee of the Scottish Seabird Centre, a position she proudly held until 2019.
As well as her work for the Seabird Centre, Pat was chair of North Berwick Community Council (NBCC) from 2003 to 2012.
Throughout her time in the role, she was involved in numerous projects, including the restoration of the town’s war memorial and the renovation of the Lodge Grounds.
She was an ardent supporter of the Edington Hospital, where her own mother had been cared for and latterly passed away in 2007.
After retiring as chair of NBCC, she began working with the town’s Coastal Communities Museum in the capacity of fundraiser.
Pat’s pride and joy was the extensive effort she put into the Henry Scott Tuke art exhibition at the museum, in conjunction with the Falmouth Art Gallery in 2015.
This was very much a family project to Pat for several reasons: she was born in Cornwall and, at the time, her eldest granddaughter, Ailish, was studying contemporary art at Falmouth University.
She remained a patron of the Coastal Communities Museum until her passing.
Pat, of Marly Knowe, was passionate about North Berwick and was privileged to have been asked to be part of so many different community associations.
She felt fortunate to have worked with many talented people, who brought so much joy to others through their shared love of East Lothian.
A very private person, Pat was married to the late Alan Burton, former Longniddry Rotarian.
Although Alan had a very successful career at Standard Life, he latterly referred to himself as “Mrs North Berwick’s husband”, and was supportive of all Pat’s work throughout his lifetime.
Pat was also a loving mother to her two daughters Lesley-Ann and Alexandra (Alix), devoted nana to Ailish and Roisin, and mother-in-law to Martin and Daniel.
She passed away peacefully, aged 79, in the care of the Cramond Residence, Edinburgh, with her family by her side on March 9.
A thanksgiving service in honour of her life takes place tomorrow (Thursday), from 12.30pm, at Abbey Church, North Berwick. All welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that any donations be made to the Scottish Seabird Centre.
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