Obituary: Dr Margaret Auld, 78,, health professional

A FORMER nursing chief for Scotland who worked her way up the ranks to one of the profession's highest positions has died.

Dr Margaret Auld, 78, passed away peacefully at home on September 10 after a remarkable career.

Born in Cardiff on July 11, 1932, Dr Auld was the younger of two daughters and spent her formative years at Cardiff High School before moving to Scotland and attending Glasgow High.

She studied to become a nurse at Radcliffe Infirmary Oxford, qualifying in 1953 and went on to become a state certified midwife one year later.

She gained her teaching diploma in midwifery in 1962 followed by a certificate in nursing administration from the Edinburgh University.

During her time in the Capital she met Kay Rowe who would become a lifelong friend, and Dr Auld later returned to Edinbugrh University, gaining a Master of Philosophy in 1974.

In a professional career taking in Lancashire, Cardiff, New Zealand and Edinburgh, she was promoted from ward sister to departmental sister and assistant matron before further advancement to matron and principal nursing officer at Simpsons Memorial Maternity Pavilion in Edinburgh.

In 1973, she became acting chief regional nursing officer and then chief nursing officer for the Borders Health Board. Within four years she would be elevated to chief nursing officer for Scotland and it was in this capacity that she was awarded the first Honorary Degree from Queen Margaret College.

She was a passionate advocate of educational opportunities for nurses During her career and even into retirement, she contributed to and led many committees, and she was the first female president of the Borders Branch of the Institute of Management. Dr Auld was a most valued supporter of Queen Margaret University.

She made a significant contribution as a member of its governing body from 1989 to 2000, becoming chair from 1997-2000.

The consummate professional at work, she was most relaxed and down to earth when surrounded by family and friends. She loved people and always had a warm welcoming smile. She enjoyed mental stimulation, fine wine and travel. She retired early to spend time with her dearest friend, Kay, (who predeceased her by just a few months), and there were few places across the globe that the adventurous pair did not manage to visit.

She adored animals and gained great satisfaction from the care of her dogs and her involvement with organisations such as the Small Animals at the Dick Vet, Donkey Sanctuary, the RSPB and The Dogs Trust. She was an enthusiastic Scottish Rugby supporter but more importantly, she was the centrepiece of her family and adored by her sister, nieces and nephews.