A great sense of humour is the secret to a long life according to Edinburgh resident

A resident at an Edinburgh care home celebrated her 100th birthday and revealed the secret to living a long life is ‘A great sense of humour’.

Article Source: WPR Agency Limited
Last Updated: 14 September 2020 15:54

‘A great sense of humour’ – the secret to a long life according to an Edinburgh resident

A resident at an Edinburgh care home celebrated her 100th birthday and revealed the secret to living a long life.

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Care UK’s Murrayside, on South Beechwood, when resident Alice turned 100 years ‘young’ or “100%” as the team agreed on the day. She revealed the secret to living to this impressive age is leading a healthy lifestyle – and maintaining a great sense of humour.

To celebrate, the team hosted a party at the home, where Alice toasted the special milestone with all of her friends at Murrayside, as well as a few visiting family members. Guests were also joined by the home’s ‘very own’ piper, Christopher Happs from George Heriot’s School, who played a medley of tunes including “Murrayside”, the theme song he composed especially for the home, and a rendition of “Happy Birthday”.

Alice also received a special visit from the Deputy Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Joan Griffiths. Together, they planted a commemorative tree, in the home’s garden, which had been specially cultivated by Murrayside’s home manager, Fran Long.

Gillian Gray, customer relations manager at Murrayside said: “Residents are at the heart of everything we do here at Murrayside, and we always like to throw a party for special celebrations – and Alice’s 100th birthday was no exception.

“We were inundated with birthday cards, including one from the Queen, which Alice particularly enjoyed – although everyone at the home made sure she was treated like royalty herself, even calling her “Our Murrayside Majesty” for the day.

“On behalf of everyone at Murrayside, I’d like to say a big thank you to the Deputy Lord Provost of Edinburgh for making Alice’s day so special. Everyone had a fantastic time and we’re looking forward to celebrating many more milestones with her!”

Alice said: “I wasn’t sure how I would feel about having a party but I had a really lovely day with lots of fun and surprises. It was so nice to hear the sound of the pipes and the Deputy Lord Provost brought me beautiful flowers and a silver brooch – so special. All in all it was a very happy day.”

Alice’s nephew, Ken Ross, said: “Alice’s 100th birthday was enjoyed and appreciated greatly by her. The day’s superb events affirmed all that is great about her extended family at Murrayside – excellence of care and support delivered with creativity and fun”

Alice was born in Edinburgh on 22nd August 1920, and has lived there her whole life, attending school in Costorphine in her younger years. She worked at her father’s engineering company, and gave up working when he passed away, to look after her mother. A film and theatre enthusiast, she has fond memories of her many Saturday trips to the Empire Cinema.

Murrayside care home has been specially designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, and has its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Murrayside, please contact customer relations manager, Gillian Gray, on 0131 516 8767, or email gillian.gray@careuk.com

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/murrayside

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Unveils Haunting Halloween Event with a Dramatic Twist

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is partnering with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and North Edinburgh Nightmares for a spine-chilling evening of storytelling, whisky, and elevated seasonal dining.

Cold Town House in Edinburgh crowned Best Beer Destination in Scotland

Edinburgh’s iconic castle-view bar has been crowned Scotland’s ‘Best Beer Destination’ for the first time at this year’s Scottish Beer Awards.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Community group for families effected by suicide say art can be empowering

With Friday 10 October marking World Mental Health Day, community group, Lothians Speak Their Name, have shared the ‘powerful’ effect that art has had since the passing of their loved ones.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Amber restaurant joins forces with The Real Mary Kings Close for Halloween programme

This October, The Real Mary King’s Close, one of the UK’s top-rated experiences on TripAdvisor, partners with Amber Restaurant for a Halloween experience on the Royal Mile.

Scottish single mother turned her passion for protecting the planet into a royal range for Balmoral

Ten years ago Laura Thomas returned to the UK with two children and just £200. Now with a booming business to her name, this East Lothian entrepreneur is designing ranges for Balmoral Estate.

Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Finnish Long Drink Breaks Fringe Records for Summerhall Arts

Lonkero, Finland’s iconic long drink, has made history at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe by serving a record-breaking number of pints at Summerhall’s courtyard - while raising vital funds.

Last call for supporters to share their Murrayfield Memories as centenary celebrations beckon

HUNDREDS of fans from Scotland and across the globe have been sharing their most treasured memories of Scottish Gas Murrayfield as the stadium prepares to mark its centenary year.

HIV ALOUD: RAISE THE CURTAIN

The Edinburgh Playhouse and Waverley Care are pleased to announce a new collaboration, HIV ALOUD: RAISE THE CURTAIN, an arts initiative to share stories of those living with HIV.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Jali Film Weekender announces Full Programe

Jali Collective is proud to reveal the full programme for the first ever Jali Film Weekender, taking place at Filmhouse, Edinburgh from 30 October – 2 November 2025.

Lead Casting announced for Mean Girls

Lorne Michaels, Crossroads Live and Sonia Friedman Productions are delighted to announce initial casting of the award-winning Mean Girls The Musical.

Cafe Calton Unveils Seasonal Evening Menu and Pre Theatre Dining Experience

Perched atop the iconic Calton Hill, Café Calton has unveiled its new Autumn/Winter Evening Menu, alongside a specially curated Pre-Theatre Dining Experience.

October at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Cocktail Week to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in October!

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.

Bonnie & Wild and Fierce Beer team up for craft bar residency

Craft brewery Fierce Beer shows appetite for Bonnie & Wild with launch of new bar residency and tailored food and drink pairings.

Local Charities and Communities at the Heart of Edinburghs Christmas 2025

Spreading Christmas cheer, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers over 8,500 free tickets to local community groups and charities.

Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.

Two Edinburgh Bakeries launch unique Macaron and Cake Tower

Mademoiselle Macaron and Mimi’s Bakehouse have announced a new collaboration which combines handcrafted French macarons with signature sponge tiers in a bespoke macaron and cake tower.

Full Line up Announced for Soundhouse Winter Festival

The 2025 Soundhouse Winter Festival returns from Thursday 27 November to Monday 1 December at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.