Category: Leith

A Harbour Homes sheltered housing tenant said she had “no regrets” as she celebrated her 100^th birthday.

Betty Cowan marked her centenary surrounded by family and friends, with a week of visits, parties and celebrations. Fellow tenants and staff at Harbour Homes’ Hermitage Court sheltered housing development in Leith also joined in the festivities.

Born in Leith on 13 June 1926, Betty has remained close to her roots throughout her life. The second youngest of 10 children, her family moved to Restalrig in 1936.

During the Second World War, Betty was evacuated. She recalled: “I got the train at the bottom of Easter Road and we thought we were going miles away… it was Lasswade. We thought we were at the end of the world.”

Throughout her life, Betty has enjoyed socialising, going to clubs, dancing and the cinema.

Hard work has been a theme throughout Betty’s life. She started her working life when she was 14 at a rubber mill in Leith, before moving on to Gaudie’s Box Makers and Lamb’s. 

Betty worked in Crawford’s the bakers in 1963, when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. She worked until she was 78 and enjoyed holidays abroad until she was in her early nineties. 

Betty also worked in Marks and Spencer on Princes Street as a cleaner. She still has a 20% discount for the retailer and a pension.

She met her husband Jimmy at Gaudie’s when she was 22. Together they had four children: James, Michael, John and Janis. Sadly, John and James have since passed away. 

Betty has four grandchildren and one great-grandson, though the family suffered a further loss last year with the death of her granddaughter Nicola.

Despite the hardships her family has faced over the years, Betty remains positive.

Betty said: “I’ve been very lucky. I’ve had a really good life, a good family, we’ve had our wee ups and downs, but everything is lovely now. I’ve got no regrets and I’ve never wanted for anything.”

Betty moved into Hermitage Court in 2009 and says it was one of the best decisions she has ever made, enjoying both the friendships and the wide range of social activities.

“I love being here — it’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” she added.

Having witnessed many changes in Leith and Edinburgh over the decades, Betty embraced a more recent development last year when she took a tram trip to St James Quarter, enjoying the view down Leith Walk.

Her secret to a long and happy life? Simple. “I believe in working hard. Looking after young children keeps you young — well, it’s obviously done that for me!”

Maureen Combe, who leads the Sheltered Housing team at Harbour Homes, said: “Betty is a much-loved member of our Hermitage Court community, and it has been a privilege to celebrate her birthday with her.

“Reaching 100 years old is an incredible milestone. Betty’s warmth, resilience and positive outlook are an inspiration to everyone around her. The whole community has enjoyed being part of her special celebrations.”