A story that’s plot on – Edinburgh care home residents host special reading sessions for local children

Residents at three care homes across Edinburgh have been reading classic bedtime stories to local youngsters as part of a nationwide initiative to celebrate National Storytelling Week. 

Care UK’s Cairdean House and Murrayside welcomed local schools into the homes for a retelling of stories including the Roald Dahl classic, George’s Marvellous Medicine. While the team at Lauder Lodge invited storyteller, Claire McNicol, for a special reading session for residents. 

To celebrate National Storytelling Week, Care UK has created the Bedtime Stories initiative which sees residents across the UK read classic bedtime stories to young children. The campaign, which includes the launch of four free videos of residents reading famous stories, ensures children who may not have a grandparent do not miss out on a magical tale before bedtime.

At Cairdean House, residents welcomed local children from Colinton Primary School to read The Three Little Pigs to them as they gathered around for story time in the home’s lounge.

Murrayside invited children from Carrick Knowe Primary School to bring their favourite books and Scottish poetry to share with residents as they put on a short performance and sing-along with the residents. Sheila Young said: “The children were great – I wish they could stay and read with us all day!” 

Residents at Lauder Lodge were joined by storyteller Claire McNicol from the Scottish Storytelling Centre to read Scottish folklore tales by Robert Burns to residents and team members’ children. Margo said: “It was wonderful to hear some traditional stories – with such an enthusiastic storyteller, we loved it”.

Gillian Goodall, Home Manager at Cairdean House, said: “We always enjoy opening our doors to the local community, so it was fantastic to be joined by Colinton Primary School pupils for a special reading session.” 

“Intergenerational activities are incredibly enriching for all ages and provide a fantastic opportunity for residents and children to interact with one another. The youngsters were able to soak up a wonderful story and the residents benefited from gaining a different perspective from the children on a well-known story. It’s fantastic to host a session such as this to allow the two generations to spend time with one another.

“We thoroughly enjoyed hosting the ‘Bedtime Stories’ reading session with the schoolchildren and hope that we have helped them to continue building a love of reading.”

To watch four Bedtime Stories read by Care UK residents, or for more information about the Bedtime Stories initiative, visit: careuk.com/bedtime-stories

Cairdean House, Lauder Lodge and Murrayside care homes have been specially designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care homes incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities, and have their own cinemas, hair salons and cafés.

For more information about Cairdean House, Lauder Lodge or Murrayside, please visit: careuk.com/edinburgh