A group of Moray youngsters have welcomed the first batch of retirees taking up residence in a new housing complex.
Linkwood View, which includes flats built especially for people with dementia, was opened last month in the south of Elgin.
And more than 40 children from the Magic Roundabout childcare centre, which has two bases nearby, have now attended a special afternoon tea at the site as a way of welcoming the new inhabitants to the neighbourhood.
The visit was made all the more special as the children came up with the name for the building in a competition earlier this year.
It was inspired by the youngsters’ nickname for the burn which flows near the complex – “The Linky”.
Bosses at the childcare centre said that, since forming that unique bond with the site, the children had been desperate to see inside.
Magic Roundabout director June Franklin said: “After helping to choose the building’s name, the children were very eager to see inside the complex and to spend time with the residents.
“One of our centres is just across the road, so perhaps next time we can return the favour.”
Linkwood View resident Gibby Wood said the children’s visit had brightened up the day for herself and others.
She said: “I very much enjoyed the kids attending.
“They were all very well behaved, especially when getting food and drinks.
“I spoke to two boys who said they had the same problem as me, that they were terrible singers.
“All in all, it was a most enjoyable afternoon meeting the children.”
Linkwood View is made up of 30 two-bedroom flats built around a central courtyard area, including two large communal spaces for the residents to socialise.
As well as five flats created especially for dementia sufferers, it features four which are accessible to wheelchairs.
It was developed by Hanover Scotland in partnership with Health and Social Care Moray, and is the first example of a model which is now being rolled out across the region.
Linkwood View’s housing with care manager, Lee-Ann Duncan, added: “It has been a busy month getting our residents settled in, but they were all very excited when they heard the children would be visiting.”
