Hill View Alpaca Visit Wows The World

A heart-warming visit from three adorable alpacas at Hill View Care Home in Clydebank has generated excitement from animal lovers all over the world.

Sid, Eric and Chester from Larch Green Alpacas popped in as a special surprise to lift Residents’ spirits during a fun-packed visit.

The wonderful day was captured in a series of lovely photos that showed Residents petting the beautiful creatures, famed for their gentle nature.

Those photographs were then shared worldwide as newspapers and online press from Scotland to China retold the story.

Residents, including Agnes, 82, were so spellbound by the alpacas that they called from them to move into the Home too.

Agnes said: “This really made my day, they’re so lovely and friendly.

“It’s a shame they can’t move into the garden here permanently.”

The positive impact of spending time with animals cannot be underestimated.

Research shows that they can help reduce stress and depression, as well as to help to combat loneliness.

Advinia Care Homes, including Hill View, are always looking for ways to boost Residents wellbeing, and animal therapy visits are very popular.

According to Hill View Manager Kirsty Goldie, Sid, Eric, and Chester were just the tonic the Residents needed.

Kirsty said: “Because of the Covid pandemic, it’s been such a tough year for our residents.

“Now that all our residents and staff are vaccinated, and we can open up a bit to the outside world, we’ve been doing loads of activities to try to make up for it.

“Elderly people, particularly those living with dementia, benefit greatly from the therapeutic nature of these animals.

“It has also been a lot of fun for the staff, too.”