Care home hosts spectacular Fringe Cares performance for residents

On Saturday 1st August staff, residents, relatives and members of the community came together at Queens Manor care home in Barnton for a fantastic afternoon of exciting performances as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Cares Fest. 

Now in its fifth year, the Fringe Cares movement brings artists from the Edinburgh Festival into care homes so residents can enjoy accessible performances in the comfort of their own homes.

The show was attended by the Lord Provost, the Right Honourable Robert Aldridge and his Consort, Joe and Nancy Goldblatt, Rene Rigby from Scottish Care as well as 45 Queens Manor residents and their families.  The hospitality team provided canapes and everyone was treated to a range of chilled summer drinks including cocktails from Robyn’s Bar.

First onto the stage was multi award winning Flow Artist, Lai Yee, a contemporary street performer from Hong Kong, who wowed the crowd with his acrobatics, incredible juggling skills and his expertise on the Cyr wheel. 

Then talented and versatile vocalist, Anna Vanosi, took to the stage and had everyone singing and dancing along to some rousing Italian classic songs. Both performances delighted the audience and left them shouting for more.



General Manager, Margaret-Ann Davidson said: “The Fringe Cares Fest is one of the highlights of our year, it is such a fantastic initiative and this year was no exception. 

“We all spent a wonderful afternoon enjoying first Lai Yee’s acrobatics and then Anna’s brilliant vocals and that is the beauty of the Fringe, there is so much variety and every year we all have the best time.  We’re so grateful to the performers and the organisers for bring Fringe Cares to our residents and their families.”

Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor  provides residential and residential dementia care for 60 residents from respite breaks to long term stays.

Alzheimer Scotland’s Edinburgh Memory Walk to raise funds for dementia

SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER at LAURISTON CASTLE GARDENS

A fundraising walk that pays tribute to people with dementia is returning to Edinburgh. People across the Lothians are being encouraged to book their place for Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk 2026 on Sunday, 6 September.

Those joining the event in Lauriston Castle Gardens on Cramond Road South can walk in memory of loved ones affected by the illness while also raising vital funds to support dementia care, research and improvements in brain health.

The Edinburgh event is the first of a series of memory walks taking place across Scotland in 2026.

Those looking to take part can sign up at memorywalk.alzscot.org.

Walks will also be taking place in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Perth, Irvine, Inverness and Kirkcaldy. Tickets cost just £10 for adults and children can be registered for free. It’s quick and easy to set up a sponsorship page, which can be shared with family, friends and colleagues.

Every penny raised will help people with dementia and their carers, as well as supporting better brain health for everyone in Scotland.

Scotland’s Memory Walk is also about celebrating the lives of people with dementia and walking to remember them.

Among those taking part is Debbie Magee, 48, a contracts manager from Broxburn. She will be walking in memory of her mum Rosie who passed away in January aged 82, six years after being diagnosed with vascular dementia.

Debbie will be joined by her sister Annie and 15-year-old daughter Jess, and supported on the day by her other sisters Caroline and Jane.

Debbie said: “My mum Rosie was quite a woman. She was the heart and soul of our family and was dedicated to looking after us all.

“Losing mum to dementia was really tough for the whole family, and it inspired me to sign up to Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk in Edinburgh.

“I wanted to do something positive that would help keep mum’s memory alive and also raise funds for such a great cause. I’m really looking forward to the day. Our team name is Rosie’s Forget Me Nots. Those were mum’s favourite flowers, which feels extra poignant in light of her diagnosis.

“Dementia affects every person differently and it’s important for me to raise awareness of that, and of the huge impact it has on the wider family.

“Alzheimer Scotland do amazing work and I hope the money we raise can help them support other families like mine who are affected by dementia.”

Lauren Heap, Alzheimer Scotland’s Day Services Manager for Edinburgh and the Lothians, said: “Alzheimer Scotland is proud to support people living with dementia, their families and carers right from our centres in Edinburgh.

“We are delighted to host this Memory Walk in Edinburgh. It is such a special event and it will be wonderful to walk alongside our supporters again in the local community.

“Alzheimer Scotland relies heavily on fundraised money – now more than ever – and every penny helps us continue to develop and deliver vital dementia support. We can’t wait to see Lauriston Castle Gardens filled with a sea of purple t-shirts.”

To find out more and to sign up for Scotland’s Memory Walk, visit: 

memorywalk.alzscot.org 

Boogie Wonderland! Care Home launches Dementia Disco

On Friday (7th August) from 2.30pm – 3.30pm staff and residents at Queens Manor care home in Barnton will be dusting off their dancing shoes, leg warmers and glowsticks for the launch of their new Dementia Disco initiative which will take place very aptly during Dementia Action Week. 

Knowing how much their residents living with dementia love to dance and sing, the activities team at Queens Manor care home came up with the genius idea of a dementia-friendly disco.  The team is also inviting along relatives and loved ones, members of the local community and friends of the home to the first official dementia-friendly disco.

If you and your loved ones or community group would like to attend, please contact the home to book a place, email QueensManor@barchester.com /call 0131 339 9653.

The first Dementia Disco will take place on Friday 7th August from 2.30pm within the home’s dementia community and everyone is welcome to attend.

General Manager, Margaret-Ann Davidson comments: “The Dementia Disco will be a fantastic way to connect with others in a relaxed and supportive environment. 

“We know the power of music brings joy and reminiscence for those living with dementia, their families and caregivers.  Everyone is welcome – we’re really looking forward to making more friends in our local community.

“If anyone is unable to make it on the day but would like to pop in for a chat and a cup of tea, our doors are always open.”

Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor Care Home provides residential and dementia care for 60 of residents from respite breaks to long term stays.

Cramond Association: Litter pick tomorrow

August’s litter pick will be this Sunday, 2nd August.

We’ll meet outside Barnton Post Office at 10am and target the local area.

We’ll be finished by 11am.

All equipment is provided, but please bring a Hi Viz if possible.

Everyone is welcome, hope to see you there!

Queens Manor Care Home invites local community to Open Day

Queens Manor Care Home in Edinburgh will be opening their doors to the local community for an afternoon of fun on Saturday 22nd August 10am – 4pm.

Taking place between 10am and 4pm guests will be able to enjoy home-made cream cakes prepared by the home’s Head Chef, and will have the chance to meet the team and take a tour of the home.

Margaret Anne Davidson, General Manager at Queens Manor Care Home says: “I’m excited about welcoming new visitors and existing friends of the home to our open day.

“Looking for care can be a little bit daunting, but our team here at Queens Manor Care Home will do all we can to provide all of our guests with the guidance and support they may need, and answer all of their questions, big or small.

“Our open day is a great chance to enjoy some delightful entertainment in a homely and friendly setting- hope to see you all there!”

Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides residential care and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays

Queens Manor care home to host free Fringe Cares performance

On Saturday August 1st from 2pm staff and residents at Queens Manor care home in Barnton will be hosting an afternoon of exciting contemporary performances as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Cares Fest, now in its fifth year.  

Taking to the stage at 3pm will be Lai Yee, an acrobat and contemporary street performer from Hong Kong who specialises in flow arts which include juggling, Cyr wheel and light dancing. 

Then at 4pm, talented and versatile vocalist Anna Vanosi will showcase some of her broad repertoire working across jazz, contemporary and storytelling-led live performance. Her work ranges from intimate jazz sets to theatrical interpretations of songs, always focused on character, rhythm, and emotional connection. 

Both performances promise to be a feast for the senses.

The performances are free of charge and open to the local community, the team at Queens Manor very much hope that friends and neighbours will come along to enjoy the event and some refreshments along with the residents and their loved ones. 

General Manager, Margaret-Ann Davidson said, “The Fringe Cares Fest started right here in Queens Manor five years ago and it is wonderful to watch it grow from strength to strength every year, I think there are performances in 20 Edinburgh care homes this year. 

“We hope that everyone will come and join us to enjoy the performances, it will be a fantastic event and everyone is welcome.”

Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor  provides residential and residential dementia care for 60 residents from respite breaks to long term stays.

Treasure Island at Lauriston Castle

Join us for Treasure Island, our next family theatre performance at Lauriston Castle, on Thursday 23 July.

Join plucky Jim Hawkins and his crew of salty old sea dogs on their search for buried treasure in Quantum Theatre’s exciting adaptation of the pirate adventure classic, Treasure Island.

An action-packed show for all the family!

Book: https://cultureedinburgh.com/…/treasure-island-with…

Tomorrow: Cammo Litter Pick

CRAMOND ASSOCIATION with FRIENDS of CAMMO

Please join us this Sunday , 7th June, for this month’s litter pick.

It will be a joint event with Friends of Cammo, collecting rubbish in and around Cammo Estate. We’ll meet at 10am at the entrance to the Estate by the gatehouse, at the junction of Cammo Walk and Cammo Road.

All equipment will be provided.

We’d encourage you to wear a Hi Viz if you have one.

We usually finish at 11am with Tunnock’s caramel wafers for all participants!

Care Home invites community to Open Day

SATURDAY 27th JUNE from 10am – 4pm

Strachan House and Queens Manor in Edinburgh will be opening their doors to the local community for an day of coffee and cakes on Saturday 27th June. 

Taking place between 10.00 am – 4.00 pm guests will be able to enjoy home-made cakes prepared by the home’s Head Chef, and will have the chance to meet the team and take a tour of the home.  

Frances Fisher, General Manager at Strachan House, says: “I’m excited about welcoming new visitors and existing friends of the home to our open day.

“Looking for care can be a little bit daunting, but our team here at Strachan House will do all we can to provide all of our guests with the guidance and support they may need, and answer all of their questions, big or small.

“Our open day is a great chance to enjoy some delightful entertainment in a homely and friendly setting- hope to see you all there!”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care and dementia care from respite care to long term stays.

Upcoming events at Lauriston Castle

Hello to all our amazing Friends and followers and people who support us.

We are celebrating 100 years of Lauriston.

You may have seen all of our facebook events appearing on your timeline.

We still have 126 fantastic events to come this year.

It would help us so much if you were able to like and share all, or even some of our events on your own facebook pages to help us spread the word.

This is a chronological list of all our events:

https://www.facebook.com/lauriston…/upcoming_hosted_events