Children's Officer says finding the 'lost' baby is like having a new grandchild!

Murray Haddow, 95, explained that back in 1969 he was the person who looked after all the adoptions for the county of Ross Shire, which included the Isle of Lewis as part of his patch.

He remembered one case with clarity, and which had stayed with him because of the unusual circumstances.

A lifelong supporter of Ross County FC, he was never one to miss a match, so one Saturday, 52 years ago, along with his wife travelled to Dingwall to collect a six-week old baby girl for whom Murray had arranged an island adoption before going to the match.

The adoptive parents were flying in from Stornoway, but unfortunately, due to weather Inverness airport became fogbound and the flight was cancelled. Not to be deterred, Murray and his wife, complete with the baby trundled down the road to watch the match.

He had always wondered what happened to the wee girl who was finally handed over to her new parents on the island.

And that’s where the Gazette stepped in. We issued an appeal, and within days received a call from Angela Morrison, 52, who told us she was that baby.

Both Angela and Murray have now had a video call to catch up.

Graham Haddow, Murray’s son, said: “They both loved it. Angela described dad as the grandfather that she never had so he is now her honorary grandad! Angela's parents died some years ago so finding my dad, who is part of her history, is very significant to her.

"My dad remembered when Angela was handed over, her new parents handed dad a length of Harris Tweed as a token of appreciation. My dad had the tweed made into a suit in Inverness and wore it for many years.

“My dad also mentioned the people he used to stay with when he visited Lewis, and of course Angela knows the family!”

Murray found recent events quite tiring but he wants to have more contact with Angela, his new honorary granddaughter.

And there the story ends – for now.