Questions raised over Condor

AN Angus SNP MP has warned a cut i n Royal Marine posts could raise questions about the future of RM Condor.

Admiral Sir Philip Jones, the First Sea Lord, said the Royal Navy would make the cuts as part of its efforts to “adapt to meet the challenges of a dangerous and uncer tain world” as it i ntroduces new ships, submarines and aircraft.

It i s not thought any marines will be made redundant, with the navy relying on natural wastage for cuts.

But Mike Weir said: “This is clearly worrying news since any reduction in the numbers of marines could raise questions about the future of bases, such as Condor.

“It is equally concerning that this announcement comes so soon after the MoD gave an assurance there was no danger to the future of Condor when they announced the sale of the airfield.

“Clearly, 45 are not the only marine unit, nor Condor the only base, but the apparent lack of overall planning is a concern.”

Celiwe Mahlalela, who was known affectionately as CeeCee — a registered nurse at Pitkerro Care Centre — died suddenly last week.

She had no family in Scotland and her colleagues want to make sure she can be laid to rest in Swaziland.

They aim to raise £5,000 to repatriate Celiwe and an online fundraising page has been set up.

Chima Banda, manager of the care home where CeeCee worked, said: “Celiwe Mahlalela, also known as CeeCee, who was working at Pitkerro Care Centre as a registered nurse, sadly passed away unexpectedly on Thursday April 6.

“Celiwe had no family in Scotland or the UK and we would like well-wishers to help us by donating to this account so that we can repatriate the remains of our lovely sister, friend and colleague to her home country Swaziland.

“CeeCee was a lovely, bubbly and outgoing person who touched everyone’s life she met.

“She will be remembered for being a joker who made everyone laugh.

“She was committed and would always go the extra mile. She was so comfortable in her surroundings — it was well-known that she called everyone ‘my son’ or ‘my daughter’.

“Celiwe will be sadly missed by her ‘sons’ and ‘daughters’, friends, colleagues, service users, family members and all thos whose lives she touched.

“Our loving thoughts go to her family and friends who cannot be here at this very sad time.”

Donors on the fundraising page paid touching tributes to CeeCee, who

A FUNDRAISING drive has been launched to return the body of a Dundee care worker “who touched everyone’s life” to her native Swaziland.