Edinburgh care home resident marks 100th birthday with royal yacht trip and reveals secret to long life

A resident at a care home in Edinburgh has celebrated her 100^th birthday in regal style. 

Deirdre Stevens, who lives at Cairdean House on Redford Road in Colinton, brought up her century with a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, organised by the home’s lifestyle team.  

The festivities continued with a traditional afternoon tea in the ship’s tearoom, where Deirdre was served her favourite whiskey alongside cake. 

She said: “I remember seeing the ship in London years ago, but this visit felt even more magical.

“I felt like royalty myself. That’s my secret to making it to 100 actually…a daily tipple of whiskey!”

Born in Bromley, Kent, Deirdre began her early years winning a scholarship to art college. However, when the college closed during the second world war, she turned to shorthand and typing. Her siblings joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service and Royal Air Force, while Deirdre learned to drive and service military lorries as part of the army.

“There was no power steering back then, so my arms were strong as anything!” Deirdre said.

While serving, Deirdre met her first husband, Ian McPherson. He was a sergeant major and after the war, the couple settled in Kirkcaldy, Fife, before moving to London where Deirdre worked as a senior secretary and personal assistant for accountants and stockbrokers. She was among the first in her field to use computers for letters and spreadsheets. 

Following Ian’s passing in 1962, Deirdre continued raising their daughter Maureen in London. Many years later, she remarried and retired in Bournemouth with her second husband, Steve.

After losing Steve in 2021, Deirdre moved to Scotland to be closer to family, settling in Balerno before choosing Cairdean House two years later.

Angela Burns, Home Manager at Cairdean House, said: “It was a real joy to celebrate Deirdre’s 100th birthday and to take her to see the Royal Yacht Britannia once again.

“Deirdre is a huge part of the Cairdean family and is always keen to get involved, whether it’s painting, tending the garden or sharing stories from her incredible life.

“We’re passionate about helping residents live rewarding, meaningful lives, and Deirdre’s celebration was a wonderful example of the team’s dedication to making every day special. 

“A big thank you also to those at the Royal Yacht Britannia for helping to make Deirdre’s birthday so memorable.”

Cairdean House has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care, with the home offering luxury facilities including a cinema room, hair and beauty salon and café. The expert team provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care.