Big-hearted pupils from the Black Isle brought a ray of sunshine to elderly residents by hosting a lunch for them at their school.
The 11 students from Fortrose Academy prepared the meal as part of an innovative project designed to break down barriers between generations by giving them an insight into the effects of dementia and ageing.
The pilot scheme – organised with local charity Black Isle Cares (BIC) – involved pupils offering their elderly guests a choice of home-made soups, freshly prepared rolls, cheese and crackers, scones with jam and whipped cream, sponge cupcakes, chocolate rice krispies cakes and shortbread.
Ruth Mantle, NHS Highland’s Alzheimer Scotland dementia nurse consultant, who assisted in the pilot, said: “It was a wonderful lunch.
“The students went out of their way to make sure everyone had a really great time. One guest told me that she normally had lunch by herself but that today it had been like having a lunch ‘in the sunshine’.”
Alastair Ferns, Fortrose Academy’s depute rector, said: “Our pupils and staff have thoroughly enjoyed their involvement in this project and we are hoping very much to develop our partnership with Black Isle Cares in the future. Pupils working with outside agencies like this help develop a host of skills which will equip them for the future.”
Brian Devlin, chair of BIC, said: “It was a real pleasure to work with Fortrose Academy pupils in this project. The whole idea was to encourage young people to think about the challenges some older people have, but also the wisdom and experience they have to offer.”
