Golden extraction of strath dentist!
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The longest-serving dentist in Badenoch and Strathspey has finally performed his most difficult extraction – himself.
Dr Bill Longstaff moved to the strath in February, 1964, and is well-known to patients in both Kingussie and Aviemore.
During his 50 years, dental care in the strath has expanded beyond all recognition.
But almost 12 years to the day since he first "retired", Bill now really has left the surgery in the Badenoch capital’s Gynack Street for the final time as a dentist.
"This time I mean it," he told the staff of Inspire Dental who had gathered to say goodbye. His departure comes exactly 50 years to the day since he first entered the place.
Bill now wants to spend more time with his glider, his skis, his scuba and his walking boots.
A founder member of the Cairngorm Gliding Club, he has even higher aspirations.
"I want to beat my own club record of almost 27,000 feet by flying to the height of Everest (29,029 feet)!" he said.
And, of course, he wants to spend more time with Miriam, his wife of some 52 years.
Bill (77), who hails from Hull, was educated at Gateshead and gained an honours degree in dental surgery at Sutherland Dental School in Newcastle in 1960.
During his National Service he was based in Edinburgh and Fort George, and whilst near Inverness he learned to ski, took up hill-walking and sailing at Fort George.
He worked at a dental hospital and private practice for 18 months before moving to Kingussie, taking over in February, 1964.
