Pipe band performs for residents at Kirkcaldy care homes to lift spirits during lockdown

Members of Glenrothes and District Pipe Band have been visiting care homes not only in Kirkcaldy but also in Glenrothes and Levenmouth to perform for residents - at a social distance.

The members have been playing a musical set including Highland Cathedral, Flower of Scotland and Scotland the Brave, for around ten minutes, free of charge, to lift people’s spirits during the current lockdown.

The band popped along to Ostlers House in Wellington Crescent, Marchmont Care Home in Bennochy Road, Abbotsford House in Milton Road, Sandford Gate retirement flats in Nicol Street and then to Barnet Crescent to play for some older people there.

Piper Conner Pratt, who plays for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo house band, The Piper’s Trail, said: “We contacted the care homes in the Kirkcaldy area first and then we did a few requests for families.

“We have also visited care homes in Elie, Levenmouth, Lundin Links, Buckhaven House and Glenrothes. I used to play with Glenrothes and District Pipe Band and when I found out they were performing at the care homes, I contacted them and they asked if I wanted to join them.”

The performers have included the band’s pipe major Iain Finlay, lead drummer Shona Brown, piper Kyran Laing, Deri-Jean Halstead, Kenzi-lea Halstead, Ross Finlay and John Cairns.

He continued: “We have been making sure there is two metres between each player and that we play from a distance. It has been really nice to see the residents smiling - that’s what makes it really worthwhile.”

Lizzy Halstead, whose husband is on the committee of the Linktown Tenants and Residents Association, said her three granddaughters – Deri-Jean, Billie-Louise and Kenzi-lea Halstead – play in the band so she asked if they would come and play for the care home residents.

Eileen Good, the home manager at Abbotsford House, Milton Road said: “Linktown Tenants and Residents Association arranged for this to happen and we were very grateful.

“Residents, staff and our neighbours all loved the performance and it certainly brought a smile (and the odd wee tear) to everyone’s faces. It certainly helped boost the morale of all at Abbotsford House.”

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