A military wives choir has provided a stirring soundtrack to the 100th birthday celebrations of a Moray village stalwart.
Annie MacPherson is a life-long Brocher – only leaving Burghead when she moved to Anderson’s Care Home in Elgin about two years ago.
Yesterday, the Kinloss Military Wives Choir group visited her to perform a special selection of war time classics for the new centenarian as part of the festivities.
Mrs MacPherson was joined by family, friends and other residents at Anderson’s for the special concert.
Despite being unable to live at home on her own now, the passionate supporter of Burghead causes has continued to visit the Clavie celebrations every year, collecting pieces of the charred wood to send to loved ones to spread good luck.
After leaving school, she began working at Woolworth’s in Elgin where she spent a decade, which was interrupted by World War II during which she worked in forestry.
She married William MacPherson, a fisherman from Hopeman, but the couple never had children.
Instead, the keen bowler and bingo player poured her efforts into community life in Burghead – becoming a founding member of the ladies bowling club and supporting several causes, including the community hall and fishermen’s groups.
Her other passion was bingo. She attended the opening night of the hall in Elgin’s South Street in 1964 and continues to attend with staff from Anderson’s.
Mrs MacPherson’s niece, Hazel Grant, said: “I think the fact that Annie has lived to 100 is testament to her being a strong and independent woman.
“She has always been very determined, I suppose you don’t get to 100 by sitting about. She doesn’t usually like the limelight but has made an exception for her big day.”
Choir member Lorna Alexander said: “We sing at the care home about three times and year and when we heard about Annie’s birthday we knew we wanted to attend.
“Everyone really enjoys it when we go there and we’re always happy to perform.”
