Young Ceilidh Trail Musicians Wow Four Paisley Homes

Residents at four Advinia Care Homes enjoyed spectacular open-air Ceilidh concerts courtesy of arts organisation Feis Phaislig.

A talented band of five young musicians stopped off at Elderslie, Braemount, Norwood and Millview Care Homes on a 2022 Ceilidh trail.

Residents were thrilled to welcome the group, who were experiencing their first ‘tour’ experience, playing traditional Gaelic music.

Their exceptional performances went down a storm at every stop, and Customer Relations Manager Paul Lawson praised the gifted group.

Paul said: “One thing our Residents can promise is a lively and enthusiastic audience whenever musicians visit to play live music.

“The staff loved it too, and the weather was just the icing on the cake.

“We were tapping our feet, clapping our hands and singing along to some lovely Scottish Ballads and some more upbeat dances.

“The band were incredible, and the vocals were stunning.”

The Feis Phaislig musicians first visited Elderslie, where the Residents gathered outside to watch them perform.

Many more residents sat by the windows so they could watch from inside.

Home Manager Liz Campbell said: “The applause and smiles were proof of what a fantastic day it was – everyone was buzzing with excitement.”

The plan was to stage the Braemount Care Home concert in the grounds, but when clouds started to gather, the band took the last-minute decision to play inside.

One of the most heart-warming sights came when Residents joined hands to swing along to the tunes.

Home Manager Richard Murray said: “The benefits of music to people living with dementia are well documented, and when you look around at the reactions today, you can see what an important role music plays within care settings.”

Some young concert-goers were in attendance when the group hit Norwood Care Home.

Best friends Keira and Caris bagged their tickets as Keira’s dad helped organise the event.

Keira said: “They were really good singers and we loved the music.

“It was a nice day out and something different to do in the summer holidays before we go back to school.”

Finally, at Millview Care Home, the musicians set up by the river, and in the beautiful setting, they brought their first tour to a close.

Home Manager Jennifer Campbell said: “I was up dancing with the Residents – it was magical.

“I can’t thank the band enough for such a special day.”