Celebrating Poet Robert Burns

We had a fantastic time at Oakbank on the 25th of January, coming together to celebrate Burns Lunch in true Scottish style. The home was filled with the sound of the bagpipes, the warmth of good company, and, of course, the delicious aroma of haggis, neeps, and tatties!

Our brilliant chef, Neil, treated us to a proper Scottish feast, starting with cock-a-leekie soup, followed by haggis, neeps, and tatties, and finishing off with a traditional cranachan for dessert. To make the occasion even more special, our head of maintenance, John, kindly donated a bottle of Whyte & Mackay so the residents could enjoy a wee dram with their lunch – a lovely touch that went down a treat!

One of the highlights of the day was young Calum, our talented 13-year-old piper, who gave up his Saturday to come and pipe the haggis through the home. The sound of the pipes filled the air, and many of our residents said it brought back fond memories. After the haggis was piped in, Ian proudly stepped forward to deliver the traditional ‘Address to a Haggis’ – something he’d been practising all morning! He did a brilliant job, and it was lovely to see how much he enjoyed taking part.

After lunch, we carried on the celebrations with a Burns-themed quiz, learning some fascinating facts about Scotland’s national bard. The staff got into the spirit of the occasion too, dressing in tartan, which the residents loved.

Burns Night is an important tradition in Scotland, celebrating the life and works of Robert Burns, whose poetry and songs remain an integral part of Scottish culture. For care home residents, events like these bring a wonderful sense of community and joy, helping to spark memories and encourage social interaction. A huge thank you again to Calum for his incredible piping – he was delighted to be involved, and we were so grateful to have him here.

At Oakbank Care Home, we love bringing our residents together to celebrate special occasions and create lasting memories. If you're looking for a warm and welcoming home where tradition, friendship, and care come first, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch today to find out more about life at Oakbank.