Former top council executive was'a remarkable woman'
| Published date | 12 January 2022 |
| Publication title | Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser |
Mary was described as "a truly remarkable woman" by Sir Tom Clarke, the former Coatbridge MP, who called her "talented, thoughtful and unique".
Mary, nee Mullen, grew up in Kirkshaws with parents Catherine and James Mullen, with her father being the local councillor and Provost of Coatbridge burgh.
She had been dux of St James' Primary as a child and later began her local government career with Monklands District Council, going on to work for its North Lanarkshire successor and rising to one of its top posts as executive director of housing and social work.
After retiring from the local authority in 2015, she joined the Labour party and "immediately became a popular and much-admired member" of the constituency group, serving first its treasurer and then becoming chair in 2019, a post she held until her passing.
She also served in recent years on the boards of Coatbridge Citizens' Advice Bureau and of St Philip's School in Plains.
Mary was mum to Kenneth and Kirsty, her beloved children from her first marriage to Robert Adam, and proud grandmother of Elanur, Kenan, Callum and Amy, who were fondly described as "the apple of her eye".
She had been married since 1993 to Tom Castles, the depute provost of North Lanarkshire and Coatbridge councillor, and is survived by siblings Owen and Catherine, respectively an author and teacher.
Her passions included travel, cookery and music, and her family said: "She could combine these hobbies, on one memorable occasion travelling to Australia to see Catherine, who had emigrated, and take in a concert by her idol, American singer-songwriter Jackson
Browne."
Long-serving former MP Sir Tom, who had known Mary and her family throughout her life, said the news of her untimely death had made "minds and hearts stand still".
He said: "There have been countless tributes from people of all political parties and many who had worked with her in numerous capacities.
"When I was asked to talk of women who had excelled in local government during my public life, I responded without hesitation saying that Mary Castles was among the very top, such was her impact on everyone who met her.
"In at least two of the elections when I was a candidate, she presided over the proceedings and count declaration with competence...
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