Effie Aitchison: Family come together for 100th birthday

Euphemia Aitchison, better known as Effie, toasted the milestone occasion surrounded by friends and family at Muirfield Nursing Home, Gullane, last month.

Among those attending the party was daughter Sandra Lindsay, who flew in from Texas.

She said: “Mum always had a great sense of humour.

“Even now, in the home, she can make us all laugh, coming out with one-liners.

“I think that was a big part of her personality.”

Effie Aitchison was surrounded by family and friends as she celebrated her 100th birthday

Born in the Scottish Borders, Effie, who previously had her own dance studio in Eyemouth, spent time living on Tyneside before moving to the Borders.

She married David, who taught Latin and navigation at Eyemouth High School before going on to become chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation from 1976 to 1982.

He was awarded the MBE in 1986 and served on Scottish Borders Council, having previously been a member of Berwickshire District Council and Eyemouth Town Council.

Sandra described her mum as “a huge support” to her dad and said: “My dad ended up getting the MBE and she was at the Queen’s palace.”

Effie, who has three children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, was presented with a card from the King by East Lothian Deputy Lieutenant Hilary Cochran.

Depute Lord Lieutenant Hilary Cochran handed over a card from His Majesty The King to Effie Aitchison, who celebrated her 100th birthday

She said: “Effie was perfectly engaged and enjoying being the centre of attention.

“She is diminutive but bright-eyed and smiling to the room.

“There are a number of guitar players amongst her grandchildren who were going to play when the cake arrived.

“Apparently, Effie still enjoys dancing to contemporary music in the sessions they have in-house.

“I met both daughters, who were very appreciative of the Lieutenancy appearing.

“They said it added a bit of gravitas and a sense of occasion having a third party presenting the telegram.

Effie Aitchison was surrounded by family and friends as she celebrated her 100th birthday

“However, despite the compliment, I was a double disappointment, apparently.

“Effie had said she was sorry the King could not come and also that the Lord Lieutenant was not there, as she was partial to the company of a man in uniform!”

Sandra, whose sister Vivien Cameron lives in North Berwick and brother David represents the North Kincardine ward on Aberdeenshire Council, told the Courier: “My mum was the life and soul of the family.

“She was fun-loving, happy and we were always going on picnics and swimming.

“She is well-loved.”