Burns Night at Belleville Lodge

Residents of Mansfield Care Homes at Belleville Lodge in Edinburgh recently marked Burns Night with a day of music, poetry, food and reminiscence to celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns.

With traditional music playing, the lounge decorated in Scottish saltires, lions rampant and portraits of the bard, the scene was set for a traditional meal of haggis, neeps and tatties, followed by a Scots trifle and finished off with tablet and shortbread, tea and coffee.

In the afternoon, the activities co-ordinator arranged a discussion of Burns’ poetry and history for the residents, as well as a chat about their own experiences. Belleville Lodge Matron Margaret Russell said, “Many of our residents have visited Robert Burns’ cottage in Ayrshire and learned many of his poems in their younger days. The favourite on the day was ‘To a Mouse’!”

“Celebrating Burns is so important because everyone is familiar with at least some of his poetry and it’s a memorable date in the calendar at this time of year. Everyone really enjoyed this year’s event.”

Many thanks to Mansfield Care Homes staff for the lovely photos.