An effort has been made to recognise the huge contribution made by two Perthshire senior citizens to their communities with ‘purple plaques’ made up to tell everyone passing how these ladies, both in their nineties, put years into helping others.
The Scottish care company, Home Instead, was so inspired by stories of how clients had made a difference, that they came up with the idea of placing plaques celebrating outstanding, ‘ordinary’ people on walls around the UK which already displayed the ‘blue plaques’ commemorating famous people.
One of those chosen was Ruth Wilson (93) from Perth, who spent many years working as a nurse at Bridge of Earn Hospital, not just looking after people’s health but giving them a mental boost too.
She used her experience as a hairdresser to give patients haircuts, lifting their spirits during their hospital stay.
Ruth said: “It was surreal seeing my name on a plaque, let alone knowing that it would be on a wall for the world to see.
“I know how important it is to help people in need, so it’s my honour knowing that I have made a difference.”
Barbara Mackintosh (93)from Burrelton, was another Perthshire local recognised in the campaign. Her efforts providing meals on wheels to older people, not to mention the church events she has helped run, along with other impressive volunteer work, has left those who know her in awe.
Barbara’s son Jim Mackintosh is known to many as the Perth poet who chronicled following his favourite football team St Johnstone.
He was delighted to see his mum given a purple plaque: “I’m incredibly proud of my mum and all she has achieved in her life which has been mostly dedicated without a second thought to caring from others, whether that’s been a succession of family members over the years or for others through her voluntary work.
“She told an interviewer all about her younger days, the war years and then latterly doing voluntary work with the Red Cross, the WRI, the Woman’s Guild and the lastly, for Meals on Wheels.
"She likes to do her bit for the older folk - she was in her 70s and early 80s herself.
“Mum wouldn’t consider any of that as anything special and would say to you ‘but that’s what you’re supposed to do.’”
Ruth and Barbara became the focus of two purple plaques which were erected alongside existing plaques.
Ruth’s plaque was erected in Belfast, next to Mary Ann McCracken’s tribute, a campaigner for the rights of women, the poor and children.
Barbara saw her plaque go up in London alongside the plaque of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a classical composer and musician.
These two wonderful pensioners receive care visits from Home Instead Perthshire.
The company’s owner, Saqib Rehman, said: “People like Ruth and Barbara make a community a special place, and I’m honoured to have them part of the Home Instead family. They might not have received full credit for the fantastic work they have done, so it’s about time we recognised them and celebrated the difference they have made.”
