Retiral

GP leaves rural practice after 28 years of service

A long-serving doctor has ended almost three decades of service at a rural Stirling medical practice.

Dr Anne Lindsay (65) retired at the end of last month having spent 28 years at Aberfoyle and Buchlyvie Medical Centres.

She was surrounded by colleagues past and present for a special celebratory meal at the Inn at Kippen before patients had the chance to thank her for her hard work and dedication at a farewell cheese and wine evening.

Reflecting on her time with the practice, she told the Observer: “It’s been overwhelmingly positive. The warmth the staff and patients have shown towards me has been amazing and I’d like to thank them.

“It’s incredibly difficult to say goodbye after 28 years. I loved the job and got to know some great people over the years – especially working at a rural practice where the community is so tight-knit.”

Dr Lindsay, who lives in Kippen, started out working in radiotherapy at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow before moving to the Aberfoyle and Buchlyvie practice in 1989.

She added: “I built up relationships with people and families working at the practice for so long.

“There were sad times – it’s always tough when someone passes away – but the joy of being a GP is that you get to know and care for the patients, and generations of families.”

The grandmother of five is looking forward to spending time with her doctors, and those who are refugees and asylum seekers, just arriving in the country.”

Dr Lindsay last night spoke to a packed audience at Aberfoyle surgery about her career – reflecting on both the heart-warming and heart-breaking times.

And Donald Morrison, practice manager at Aberfoyle and Buchlyvie Medical Centres, paid tribute to the work of the dedicated doctor.

He said: “She will be missed by the staff and patients after nearly 30 years spent working here. A staff dinner was organised for current and former colleagues while the cheese and wine nights was great for the patients to come along to. She did great work in caring for people in rural areas.

“We hope she enjoys a happy and healthy retirement with her family.”