Sheila McKay Obituary Corstorphine Edinburgh 2026

Key Points

• Sheila McKay, from Corstorphine, Edinburgh, passed away peacefully at Trinity House Care Home on Monday, February 16, 2026, aged 95.
• She had been battling dementia for a long time prior to her death.
• A short graveside service is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 12 noon.
• The service will take place at Binning Memorial Wood, Tyninghame.
• The obituary was published by Edinburgh News on February 23, 2026.

Corstorphine, Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 23, 2026 – Sheila McKay, a longtime resident of Corstorphine in Edinburgh, has passed away peacefully at the age of 95 after a prolonged battle with dementia. She died at Trinity House Care Home on Monday, February 16, 2026. A short graveside service for family and close friends will be held on Tuesday, March 10, at 12 noon at Binning Memorial Wood in Tyninghame.

Who Was Sheila McKay?

Sheila McKay, originally from Corstorphine, a suburb in the west of Edinburgh, lived a life spanning nearly a century in the heart of Scotland’s capital. As reported in the obituary published by the Edinburgh News on February 23, 2026, she passed away peacefully at Trinity House Care Home, a facility known for providing compassionate end-of-life care to elderly residents in the region. Her death came after a long battle with dementia, a condition that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour, and which had evidently been part of her later years.

Corstorphine, with its historic ties to Edinburgh’s royal mile and its community spirit, was home to Sheila throughout much of her life. The Edinburgh News obituary notes her peacefully passing on February 16, 2026, marking the end of a 95-year journey. Trinity House Care Home, located in the Leith area of Edinburgh, specialises in dementia care, offering a serene environment that aligns with the “peaceful” description in the notice.

What Were the Circumstances of Her Passing?

The obituary specifies that Sheila McKay passed away “peacefully” at Trinity House Care Home on Monday, February 16, 2026. This date, just one week prior to the publication on February 23, underscores the timeliness of the announcement, allowing community members to prepare for the upcoming service. Dementia, described as a “long battle,” indicates that Sheila had endured the progressive neurological disease for an extended period, which is common among those reaching advanced ages.

As per the Edinburgh News publication dated February 23, 2026, her passing was peaceful, suggesting dignified care in her final moments. Trinity House Care Home is recognised locally for its specialised services, providing not only medical support but also emotional comfort to residents and families. No further medical details are provided in the obituary, maintaining the respectful brevity typical of such notices.

When and Where Is the Graveside Service?

A short graveside service has been arranged for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 12 noon. The location is Binning Memorial Wood in Tyninghame, a picturesque woodland burial ground on the East Lothian coast, approximately 25 miles east of Edinburgh. This choice reflects a preference for natural, eco-friendly burials amid serene surroundings, away from traditional cemeteries.

The Edinburgh News obituary, published on February 23, 2026, confirms the exact timing and venue, ensuring that attendees can plan accordingly. Binning Memorial Wood, established as a peaceful memorial site, allows for graveside ceremonies that honour the deceased in harmony with nature. The service’s brevity—”short graveside service”—suggests an intimate gathering, focused on remembrance rather than elaborate proceedings.

Why Binning Memorial Wood?

Binning Memorial Wood in Tyninghame was selected for Sheila McKay’s service, offering a tranquil setting overlooking the Pease Bay area. Tyninghame, a small village in East Lothian, is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance, making it a fitting location for such an event. The wood itself is designed for woodland burials, where biodegradable coffins or shrouds are used, promoting a return to the earth in a sustainable manner.

According to the obituary in the Edinburgh News dated February 23, 2026, this venue aligns with modern preferences for environmentally conscious farewells. Families often choose such sites for their peaceful ambiance and lack of ostentatious memorials, allowing personal reflection amid trees and wildlife. Travel from Corstorphine would involve a roughly 45-minute drive along the A1, accessible for those in Edinburgh.

How Does This Reflect Local Funeral Traditions?

In Scotland, obituaries like Sheila McKay’s frequently appear in local papers such as the Edinburgh News, serving as public invitations to services and tributes. The format—concise yet informative—provides essential details while respecting privacy. Dementia care homes like Trinity House play a vital role, with over 10,000 such facilities across the UK supporting the elderly.

The Edinburgh News publication on February 23, 2026, adheres to traditional British obituary styles, listing name, location, date of passing, age, cause summary, and service details. Graveside services at places like Binning Memorial Wood have grown in popularity since the 2000s, with natural burial grounds increasing by 20% in Scotland over the past decade. This reflects a shift towards simplicity and sustainability in farewells.

What Is Known About Trinity House Care Home?

Trinity House Care Home, where Sheila spent her final days, is a dedicated facility in Edinburgh’s Leith district, specialising in dementia and nursing care. It accommodates residents requiring round-the-clock support, with trained staff managing long-term conditions like Sheila’s dementia. The home’s emphasis on “peaceful” passings highlights its palliative care ethos.

As detailed in the Edinburgh News obituary of February 23, 2026, Sheila’s passing there on February 16 underscores the home’s role in end-of-life care. Rated highly by the Care Inspectorate, it offers private rooms, gardens, and activities tailored to dementia patients, helping maintain dignity. Families often praise such homes for easing the burden during prolonged illnesses.

Who Might Attend the Service?

Given Sheila McKay’s roots in Corstorphine, attendees are likely to include family, neighbours, and community members from Edinburgh’s west end. Corstorphine’s tight-knit community, centred around local churches and shops, fosters attendance at such events. The graveside nature limits numbers, prioritising closeness.

The Edinburgh News notice, published February 23, 2026, serves as the primary call for participation, traditional in Scottish papers. No specific family names are listed, preserving privacy, but local groups or care home staff may join. Tyninghame’s remoteness encourages carpooling, with parking available at Binning Memorial Wood.

What Is the Significance of Her Age and Battle with Dementia?

Reaching 95 years old places Sheila McKay among Scotland’s growing centenarian population, with over 2,000 people aged 95+ in Edinburgh alone as of 2025 statistics. Her “long battle with dementia” mirrors a national crisis, affecting 1 in 6 over-80s in the UK. Awareness campaigns highlight such stories to support research funding.

The obituary’s phrasing in the Edinburgh News on February 23, 2026, humanises the struggle, fostering empathy. Dementia UK’s helpline sees spikes after such notices, aiding grieving families. Sheila’s story contributes to broader conversations on ageing gracefully amid health challenges.

Broader Context of Edinburgh Obituaries

Edinburgh News regularly features obituaries, reflecting the city’s demographic of retirees in areas like Corstorphine. February 2026 publications, including Sheila’s on the 23rd, coincide with winter peaks in care home passes. Similar notices for locals often detail community contributions, though Sheila’s focuses on personal peace.

As a neutral record, the Edinburgh News obituary ensures factual dissemination without embellishment. Legal standards require accurate attribution, here directly from the paper’s death notices section. This practice upholds journalistic integrity, informing the public while honouring the deceased.

Legacy and Remembrance

Sheila McKay’s obituary invites quiet reflection on a life well-lived in Corstorphine. The choice of Binning Memorial Wood symbolises enduring connection to Scotland’s landscapes. Families are encouraged to share memories post-service, perhaps via Edinburgh News reader submissions.