For 16 years Bunty Robertson braved the traffic on Aberdeen’s busiest road to help the children of Gordon Barracks get to school safely.
Now, looking down across that same road where she proudly served as lollipop lady, a memorial bench makes sure her legacy won’t be forgotten.
A Place to Remember looks back on the life of Mary Jane ‘Bunty’ Robertson, once Bridge of Don’s most beloved crossing patrol attendant.
Born for hard work
Bunty was born on December 21 1925. Her parents were Lind Robertson, a farm servant, and his wife Mary (nee Davidson) who originally lived near Murcar but moved into Denmore Gardens in Bridge of Don.
With a background helping on the farm with her brothers, Alexander and George, Bunty was no stranger to hard work in all weathers. So a job taking 200 children, three times a day across what was then Aberdeen’s busiest road, was a perfect fit.
Starting in 1969, Bunty – just 5ft tall – earned a reputation with Grampian Police and the barracks, for being reliable, and fierce in the face of traffic.
Heartwarming nominations
In 1976 she was nominated by dozens of children living in the grounds of the barracks. The pupils of Scotstown School wanted Bunty to win Lollipop of the Year. The prestigious competition was organised by Nabisco and the TV Times.
The competition saw Bunty shortlisted as the representative from Grampian.
She made it all the way to the national finals, where she had to present newspaper clippings, her nominations and do a “fun and lighthearted” test of her abilities.
Although she didn’t come first winning a colour TV, she did take home a new watch. It was presented to her by Crackerjack and Radio One presenter Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart.
The following year she was nominated again, this time by students from Bridge of Don Academy.
Farewell to the barracks
In 1985, coinciding with the disbandment of the barracks, Bunty retired. But not before she had been thanked by Lieutenant Colonel Shepherd by letter.
“I understand you are retiring at Christmas from your commendable job of supervising the pupils’ crossing point on Ellon Road. After many years of loyal service I expect your decision to retire is connected with the fact there will be no more families in the Gordon Barracks. Therefore, no pupils to cross the road.”
He went on to invite her to the final passing out parade to be held at the barracks.
Chief Constable AG Lynn of Grampian Police also wrote to Bunty.
“It is with regret that I learned of your decision to retire from your post,” he wrote. “I know your services over the past 16 years have been greatly appreciated by the children and their parents, particularly those from Gordon Barracks.”
Adding, “May I take this opportunity to thank you for your public spirited service and to wish you a long and happy retirement.”
A ‘weel kent face’
Bunty never married and lived with her parents until they died. She never had a landline telephone installed so was a familiar face at Scotstown shops where she used the payphone.
On January 12 2009 Bunty passed away. Bridge of Don Community Council organised a memorial bench in her honour.
Speaking about Bunty they said she was a very efficient, well-liked person who “made sure the cars stopped to let her kids cross the road.”
The spot where the bench is located is near the Bank of Scotland just off Ellon Road. It overlooks the route Bunty would have taken with hundreds of children over the years.
A big character
Linda Robertson, Bunty’s niece paid tribute to her aunty.
“I have really vivid memories of being off school ill, with aunty Bunty tasked with looking after me. But whatever I was off school with wasn’t bad enough to keep us both inside… I would have to go with her. She couldn’t let the children down.
“She might have been wee, but she was a big character. Everybody knew her. And by the time I got to school my friends parents were telling me about Bunty. They were saying she crossed them over the road when they were kids. She was very much a part of Bridge of Don. It’s nice to think people now know what the bench means.”
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