Shoppers and neighbours might spot a new kind of party in town , Pittyvaich care home in Inverness hosted its first Pride, bringing residents, relatives and the local community together for an afternoon of live music, celebration and welcome that matters for inclusion in care settings.

Essential Takeaways

  • First Pride at Pittyvaich: The Milton of Leys care home staged its inaugural Pride event with live music and community guests.
  • Local musicians performed: Singer Anthony Collesso and Scottish trad band Tuath entertained residents, creating a lively, singalong atmosphere.
  • Community and charity links: A sister event in Aberlour raised £500 for Feeling Blue, underscoring mental health ties.
  • Warm, inclusive tone: Organisers emphasised welcome and belonging; Highland Pride’s chair praised the atmosphere.
  • Ongoing Parklands initiative: Parklands Pride began in 2023 and now pops up across Highlands and Moray care homes and venues.

A joyful first , music, movement and familiar faces

Pittyvaich’s Pride kicked off with a hum you could feel , voices joining in, feet tapping, and a few proud, beaming smiles. According to local reports, entertainer Anthony Collesso led a programme that had residents singing and dancing, while trad band Tuath added a distinctly Scottish flavour. Events like this are sensory in the best way: the sound of music, the sight of families together, and the warmth of a room that’s deliberately welcoming.

Why a care-home Pride matters now

Parklands Pride, launched in 2023, has been rolling through care homes and community spaces across the Highlands and Moray, and Pittyvaich’s event is part of that wider push. Organisers say the aim is simple , make everyone feel welcome and valued. Simon Allison, chair of Highland Pride, described the celebration as a movement to create belonging; in practice that means activities that invite participation rather than observation.

Music as memory-making , performers who connect

Anthony Collesso, who also played at the Aberlour event, said being part of these afternoons is “incredible,” pointing to the joy of shared music and memories. Live performance in care settings does more than entertain; it sparks conversation, triggers familiar songs and can lift moods in ways that structured therapies sometimes don’t. If you’re organising something similar, pick music residents know and invite family members to join in , it makes the moment feel like home.

Community ripple effects , charity, fundraising and outreach

A second Parklands event in Aberlour raised £500 for Feeling Blue, a mental health charity, showing how Pride-themed community days can also support local causes. Parklands Group has been visible in the area with new home openings and community outreach, and these social events double as gentle public engagement. Small fundraising wins like this matter locally and give residents a sense of contributing to the wider neighbourhood.

Practical tips for care homes wanting to follow suit

Start small and plan for accessibility: choose music at comfortable volumes, seat people where they can see and hear, and schedule short bursts rather than marathon sessions. Invite local performers who’re used to mixed-age crowds, and make room for family and friends to participate. Above all, keep the focus on welcome , decorations and flags are nice, but the feeling of belonging comes from inclusive invitations and familiar songs.

It's a small change that can make every celebration feel richer and more meaningful.

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