The Edinburgh-based charity will open its doors to the public on Saturday, 7th March, to display its range of dementia care services and carer support programmes.
The Eric Liddell Community will open its doors to the public on Saturday, 7 March 2026, inviting local residents to discover the charity’s vital dementia care services and carer support programmes at a special Open Day in Morningside.
With around 90,000 people in Scotland currently living with dementia, and an estimated 1.7 million people providing unpaid care, the need for accessible, compassionate support has never been greater. For decades, The Eric Liddell Community has been a cornerstone of care in Edinburgh, offering specialist dementia day services, practical and emotional support for carers, and a welcoming space for connection and community.
Taking place at the charity’s home on Morningside Road, the Open Day will give visitors the opportunity to explore the vibrant community hub, learn more about its sector leading Dementia Day Care Service, and find out how carers can access dedicated support. Guests can also discover the charity’s open community activities, designed to reduce loneliness and foster meaningful connections.
The event will include guided tours of the building, interactive taster sessions that demonstrate how programmes are delivered, and opportunities to meet the experienced and compassionate team who continue Eric Liddell’s legacy of care.
Jo Wright, Building Operations Manager at The Eric Liddell Community, said: “If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind our stained glass windows, we are delighted to invite you in to see for yourself.
“Our Open Day is a celebration of the incredible work of our team and volunteers, and a chance to highlight the importance of the charity, not just as a care provider, but as a lively community hub helping to tackle loneliness and isolation.”
The Open Day will take place this Saturday, 7 March 2026, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at The Eric Liddell Community, 15 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4DP. The event is free to attend, and no registration is required.
To find out more about The Eric Liddell Community, please visit: ericliddell.org.
To find out more about the Open Day, please visit:
A huge thank you to everyone who supported our parliamentary reception at Holyrood yesterday, whether in person or from afar!
We had an entertaining and productive evening hearing from some amazing speakers about how personal music can improve wellbeing and why it is crucial that decision-makers support embedding playlists into dementia care to help people across the U.K. now.
Playlist for Life president Sally Magnusson shared her personal experience with using in dementia care with her mother Mamie that led to her founding the charity in 2013, and we heard some powerful testimony from our lived experience ambassador Carol about how discovering and using playlists has been life-changing for managing symptoms.
We received some wonderful endorsements for our work from MSPs including Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Tom Arthur, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party @Anas Sarwar and our generous event sponsor Foysol Choudhury. We were also delighted to have Neil Bibby, Kaukab Stewart, Michael Marra and Jackson Carlaw at our event, all of whom have supported our work, including visiting some of our amazing +2600 community partners distributing free playlist resources that make up our Help Point network.
We enjoyed a performance from our new musical ambassadors The Bluebells, plus our wonderful dementia-inclusive choir and charity partner the Westerton Male Voice Choir whose rousing renditions got the whole room singing, including a track that tops the playlist of our ambassador Sir Alex Ferguson of ‘Moon River’.
We want to see everyone singing from the same song sheet when it comes to embedding personal playlists into dementia care in the U.K., where if nothing changes, 1 in 2 people will be affected by dementia by either developing the condition, caring for someone with it, or both.
There’s no cure for dementia but we know that personally meaningful music can help, so we look forward to continuing our discussions with key decision-makers about making personal playlists in dementia care a reality from diagnosis to end-of-life care
Caring for someone living with dementia can be hard
Personal playlists however can give dementia carers, who are often relatives or friends respite, by helping to reduce symptoms including distress, anxiety, loss of communication and low mood.
Want to know how to make a playlist? Join our free webinar for family and friends this Thursday to learn how:
Following the visit of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to The Eric Liddell Community in April this year, local Councillor Marie-Clair Munro brought forward a Congratulatory Motion that received cross-party support.
The motion formally recognises the charity’s vital work, championed by Her Royal Highness, in delivering specialised dementia care across Edinburgh and establishing a welcoming hub to combat loneliness and isolation.
Last Friday (6 June), Councillor Munro visited The Eric Liddell Community to present the motion in person. The recognition was formally handed to Irene Adams OBE, Chair of The Eric Liddell Community, and Paul Drury, Head of Fundraising and Community Services.
Councillor Munro was in attendance as Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal made her first appearance at The Eric Liddell Community since becoming the Royal Patron of the charity. Following this event, the local councillor has praised the charity for its ongoing commitment to supporting the local community and shining a light on the importance of compassionate, person-centred care.
Councillor Munro said: “I was honoured to be invited along to The Eric Liddell Community in April to be in attendance and meet Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, during her first official visit as Royal Patron of the Charity.
“I have always admired the important work that The Eric Liddell Community does within our local area and further beyond and have had the pleasure of working with the team during a range of events, including as part of The Eric Liddell 100 programme in 2024.
“Following my interaction with Her Royal Highness, I was inspired to write this Congratulatory Motion to mark my support of the incredible work being done, and I am proud to say that this has received cross-party backing, highlighting the esteem in which the organisation is held.”
The Eric Liddell Community is delighted to see the support shown by Councillor Munro and those who backed the motion, local backing is invaluable in enabling the charity to provide help for some of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable people and families whilst continuing to share the legacy of The Flying Scotsman, Eric Liddell.
Chair of The Eric Liddell Community, Irene Adams OBE, expressed her gratitude, adding:“Everybody at The Eric Liddell Community would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Councillor Munro and her cross-party supporters for presenting us with such meaningful recognition for the work that we do.
“Through working with individuals such as Councillor Munro and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, we have the opportunity to expand our services and provide support to those who need it most.”
This June, The Eric Liddell Community is proud to launch its annual Summer Appeal, with a focus on recognising the vital contributions of unpaid carers.
These individuals provide essential care and support to their loved ones, often without formal recognition or access to resources. At the heart of this year’s appeal is the Community’s Befriending Project, which continues to make a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of those caring for people living with dementia.
By offering emotional support and meaningful connection, the project helps to ease isolation and enhance quality of life for carers, acknowledging the incredible role they play in our community.
The Eric Liddell Community has received crucial funding from The Garfield Weston Foundation to help sustain its vital work in combating loneliness and isolation in Edinburgh.
The Eric Liddell Community, an Edinburgh-based care charity, is delighted to announce that it has received a generous £150,000 grant from The Garfield Weston Foundation. This three-year funding award will support the charity’s core operating costs, helping to continue its crucial work in dementia care and community support services.
For over four decades, The Eric Liddell Community has been at the heart of Edinburgh, providing a range of essential services, including its flagship Dementia Day Care service, a wellbeing programme for unpaid carers, and a Community Hub programme.
The Garfield Weston Foundation has been a dedicated supporter of The Eric Liddell Community since 2008, including providing multi-year grants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, foundation representatives visited the Community Hub, where they engaged with members of staff from the Dementia Day Care Service and spoke with members of the local community.
Their visit reaffirmed their commitment to the charity’s mission, leading to this significant funding award.
John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, expressed his gratitude for the support:“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to The Weston family and entire Garfield Weston Foundation team.
“The cost-of-living crisis has impacted us all – we are more grateful than ever to partners like Garfield Weston for giving us the support and flexibility we need to thrive despite these challenges.
“Unlike project-specific funding, this grant gives us the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most, ensuring we can respond effectively to emerging needs. It is a powerful endorsement of our work.”
Securing funding for core operational costs is one of the greatest challenges which charities face. The Garfield Weston Foundation is among a select group of charitable partners that recognise the importance of unrestricted funding, allowing organisations to allocate resources where they are most critically needed.
Through this generous grant, The Eric Liddell Community will continue to expand its essential services, ensuring that those facing loneliness and isolation across Edinburgh receive the vital support they need.
For further information about The Eric Liddell Community, please visit:
SCOTLAND’S most luxurious care home is set to host an open day where members of the public are invited to come and experience an exclusive tour around its premises.
Dementia care experts, Cramond Residence is urging members of the public looking at care facilities to come and view its world-class facilities between 4-8pm on May 2nd.
Guests will be led by professionals around its facilities to learn more about the benefits of the home, its unique care packages, as well as learning more about how Cramond Residence Tailors care provision for each individual resident.
Client Liaison Manager Christian Daraio said: “It’s always great to welcome new people into our home and our open day offers an opportunity for those exploring care for a loved one to come and view our brilliant facilities and get a feel for what makes Cramond Residence unique.
“A stay at Cramond Residence is truly unique, we have a wonderful team who help to ensure that the residence delivers the best care while having a comfortable homely feeling.
“This is the perfect chance to soak in the residence’s warm and friendly atmosphere, and enjoy a cup of tea with some homemade treats, all while having access to our staff to ask as many important questions as they need.”
Cramond Residence is divided into nine individual homes, each named after an area of Edinburgh, fostering a sense of community among residents. Each home has private dining and living rooms, encouraging socialising and lasting connections.
Visitors can explore the main communal areas, including a dining room, library, private dining room, cinema, physiotherapy area, and hairdressing salon.
Cramond Residence also offers advanced facilities, such as high-tech therapy baths, to cater to the diverse needs of its residents.
The residence features beautiful gardens and a summer house, welcoming guests to wander leisurely and appreciate the scenic environment.
The home offers a unique set of activities for residents to enjoy, thanks to its Lifestyle Team, who offer day trips to landmarks such as, The Royal Yacht Britania as well as Therapet sessions, relaxing joy rides down to Cramond Beach and much more.
For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.
SCOTLAND’S most luxurious care home is set to host an open day where members of the public are invited to come and experience an exclusive tour around its premises.
Dementia care experts, Cramond Residence is urging members of the public looking at care facilities to come and view its world-class facilities between 4 – 8pm on 2 May.
Guests will be led by professionals around its facilities to learn more about the benefits of the home, its unique care packages, as well as learning more about how Cramond Residence Tailors care provision for each individual resident.
Client Liaison Manager Christian Daraio said: “It’s always great to welcome new people into our home and our open day offers an opportunity for those exploring care for a loved one to come and view our brilliant facilities and get a feel for what makes Cramond Residence unique.
“A stay at Cramond Residence is truly unique, we have a wonderful team who help to ensure that the residence delivers the best care while having a comfortable homely feeling.
“This is the perfect chance to soak in the residence’s warm and friendly atmosphere, and enjoy a cup of tea with some homemade treats, all while having access to our staff to ask as many important questions as they need.”
Cramond Residence is divided into nine individual homes, each named after an area of Edinburgh, fostering a sense of community among residents. Each home has private dining and living rooms, encouraging socialising and lasting connections.
Visitors can explore the main communal areas, including a dining room, library, private dining room, cinema, physiotherapy area, and hairdressing salon.
Cramond Residence also offers advanced facilities, such as high-tech therapy baths, to cater to the diverse needs of its residents.
The residence features beautiful gardens and a summer house, welcoming guests to wander leisurely and appreciate the scenic environment.
The home offers a unique set of activities for residents to enjoy, thanks to its Lifestyle Team, who offer day trips to landmarks such as The Royal Yacht Britania as well as Therapet sessions, relaxing joy rides down to Cramond Beach and much more.
For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.
Pain monitoring technology helps gives residents a voice
TWO FAMILY-run Edinburgh care homes are at the leading-edge of artificial intelligence (AI) – having implemented new technology that assesses tiny changes in expressions to understand residents’ pain and comfort levels.
One of Scotland’s top rated care home groups, Elder Homes Ltd has adopted PainChek’s technology across its two care homes in Edinburgh to assist staff in assessing pain levels for its 90+ residents.
PainChek uses AI facial recognition to analyse facial expressions from a smart device’s camera. It detects pain indicators like grimaces and winces and guides caregivers through observing other pain behaviours like vocalisations and movements resulting in an overall pain score to help monitor the effectiveness of pain management over time.
The app aims to improve the quality of life for those with cognitive difficulties who may struggle to communicate their discomfort, such as people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Residents and staff at Elder Homes have been using the app since July 2022, which has resulted in better pain detection and treatment, reduced reliance on pain medication as well as more accurate treatment plans.
Cheryl Henderson, Education and Dementia Coordinator at Elder Homes has been spearheading the implementation of PainChek, while ensuring relevant members of staff are trained to care for residents diagnosed with dementia.
Commenting on the success of PainChek, she said: “Treating our residents with dignity is one of our key aims. We want to ensure all residents feel at home, whilst receiving the highest standard of care.
“Using this technology, and other technologies across our homes has been extremely rewarding. We’re excited to see how the use of technology continues to develop and the benefits it can bring to care home residents across Scotland.”
The care home also utilises other innovative technologies including electronic medication system which assist in monitoring medication given to residents, and electronic charting.
PainChek is currently being used in 18 care homes across Scotland, as well as forming a pillar of the Care Inspectorate’s Quality Improvement Plan which sees a further 15 care homes trialling the tech.
PainChek’s Head of Business Development UK&I Tandeep Gill said: “Our latest figures reflect the value and impact of the PainChek technology in UK care homes and worldwide.
“Reaching over three million pain assessments is a real milestone for us – each one brings more objectivity and consistency to evaluating pain, whilst making a difference to care home residents and enhancing their quality of life.
“We’re delighted to see staff at Elder Homes leading the way in adopting PainChek and embracing innovation to improve pain assessment and deliver person-centered care.
“By achieving positive outcomes for care home residents and the care staff involved in the Care Inspectorate trial, we hope to gain the opportunity for a broader government-funded rollout across Scotland.”
Founded in Australia in 2016, PainChek is the world’s first regulatory cleared medical device for the assessment of pain, enabling best-practice pain management for people living with pain in any environment, from those who cannot reliably self-report their pain, to those who can, and for those whose ability to self-report their pain fluctuates.
Cluny Lodge was recently awarded top marks in a recent Care Inspectorate inspection for supporting its resident’s wellbeing.
The two Morningside care homes are currently home to 90 residents, who come from a range of backgrounds, all of which receive 24-hour care who according to the Care Inspectorate are receiving the best care possible.
Driven by a personal need for exceptional later in life care, Loren and Julie Hufstetler established the family-run Elder Homes in 1984. For almost 40 years, Elder Homes has provided individualised support and compassionate service to seniors requiring assistance with daily living.
Charities and community groups across Edinburgh are today sharing in the latest round of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
Thanks to National Lottery players, they are amongst 453 projects sharing in £11, 824,401 for a range of activities, helping to empower and connect people in communities across Scotland.
West Pilton’s FRESH START is among the big winners, receiving £180,000. The local charity will use the funding to continue to support people moving on from homelessness across Northwest Edinburgh.
Across the three years of the project, the group will support approximately 5,800 people with 450 volunteers. Volunteers will be individuals with lived experience of homelessness.
Fresh Start said: “We are delighted to announce that we have been successful in our fundraising application to the National Lottery Community Fund.
“This award will allow us to continue to run our services, helping people with lived experience of homelessness, providing support through starter packs, the community pantry, community meals, empowering people with new skills, growing produce, cooking skills and having access to specialised advice.”
The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “National Lottery funding can make amazing things happen in local communities across the country.
“This project delivered by Fresh Start (Scotland), is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others.
“National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work which is making a real difference to so many.”
Edinburgh College received over £136,000 to continue delivery of their counselling service for students. The counselling is delivered by trained staff, either in person or online, and is flexible to suit the schedule and needs of the individual in need of support.
There was over £82,000 for Edinburgh Women’s Aid, who will use their funding to build an integrated mental health programme for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.
As well as supporting hands on mental health delivery, this project will look to improve internal evaluation processes and engage with other services across Edinburgh to make their services more effective. The project will work with 555 people over the three year delivery period.
Dads Rock received £67,391. The project will continue to match trained peer support volunteers with new dads during the perinatal period who are experiencing anxiety, depression, difficulties in bonding with their new baby.
Passion4Fusionoffer a range of programmes for the diverse needs of minority ethnic families in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Thanks to an award of £41,500 they will be able to offer a range of support services for black, African people dealing with long term conditions.
One service user Nala* (*not her real name) a 57-year-old African woman with a range of long-term health conditions who moved to Edinburgh to seek asylum.
Nala was missing important appointments as she struggled to read and interpret her medical letters in English. A worker from the project supported her to understand the health systems in Scotland, linked her with African groups and supported her at hospital appointments.
Nala said: “I am very happy I found people like me who can understand my situation. I was feeling very lonely and isolated but now I have my new African family I belong to.
“I am now able to do things that I haven’t been able to do in a while for instance, I really love going to the gym and I wouldn’t have done it without the support.”
Commenting on the project Huruma Health worker Lucrecia said “There is nothing more rewarding than helping others.
“As you can imagine, being alone in this country can be challenging and most of our service users have no immediate family members. The Huruma project creates culturally appropriate family support and a sense of belonging.”
Jonathan Ssentamu, Founder and CEO, Passion4Fusion, said “The Huruma Project continues to address the disproportionate impact of health inequalities affecting Africans in our community who are finding it difficult to access mainstream services.
“This contribution is enabling us to support our service users, we’re so grateful for the continued support for our work.”
An award of £30,000 means that the Scottish Book Trust will run their ‘Reading is Caring’ programme for the next three years.
The programme uses shared reading to support people living with dementia and anyone who cares for them and is designed to ease daily challenges of dementia by creating special moments of connection, sparking positive memories and relieving stress.
Martha and her husband Sandy took part in the project while caring for Martha’s mother Susan, who was living with dementia at the time.
Martha said: “Thank you again for your wonderful course – it added new skills and confidence to the way I read with Mum for her last few months and that was something very special.”
Commenting on the latest funding, Koren Calder, Project Manager, Scottish Book Trust, said: “This funding from The National Lottery Community Fund will allow us to reach more people living with dementia and the people who care for them, by creating new, flexible ways to access the benefits of the Reading is Caring programme.”
A neurodiversity charity is to launch a three-year specialist service for children and young people in Lanarkshire living with the challenges of neurodiversity thanks to Lottery funding.
Edinburgh-based Salvesen Mindroom Centre has been awarded £109,343 from The National Lottery Community Fund, made possible by National Lottery players, to deliver a dedicated one-to-one support service for children and young people who have neurodevelopmental conditions and neurodiverse families in North and South Lanarkshire.
The initiative will be led by two highly-skilled outreach specialists within the communities and address issues including problems surrounding the assessment and diagnosis of neurodevelopment conditions; securing appropriate help at school or in further and higher education; and dealing with complex correspondence and multiple agencies.
Support will be tailored to individuals and families and is aimed at achieving positive changes on a practical level and, through advocacy, ensuring the voices of children and young people are heard.
Between 15 and 20% of the population are estimated to be neurodivergent and Mindroom has witnessed a 137% rise in people using their services in Lanarkshire since 2018.
Chief Executive Officer Alan Thornburrow says: “We have seen at first hand the difference that receiving appropriate resources can make to neurodivergent children, young people and neurodiverse families in crisis.
“Over a number of years, we have steadily increased our caseload in Lanarkshire in response to a growing demand for our services and we’ve had some amazing feedback from clients whose lives have improved.
“This award from the National Lottery will help us ensure that many more people are helped and their lives transformed. We put the needs of the client at the very heart of our rights-based approach and aim to empower individuals, families and carers to become more confident and active participants in whatever they choose to do.
“We already have valuable, established relationships with a range of agencies and organisations in Lanarkshire including the NHS, Love Autism, schools and social work departments. This longer-term funding will enable us to build on these vital connections and increase our provision so that more neurodivergent children and young people and neurodiverse families can receive personalised help and benefit from opportunities for enhanced support.”
The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still: said: “National Lottery funding can make amazing things happen in local communities across the country.
“This project delivered by The Salvesen Mindroom Centre (SMC), is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others.
“National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work which is making a real difference to so many.”
The Lanarkshire initiative, funded under the National Lottery’s Improving Lives scheme, will run from September 1 this year to the end of August 2026.
For more information on the Salveson Mindroom Centre go to:
Commenting on the latest grant round of funding The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still: said: “National Lottery funding continues to make extraordinary things happen in communities across Scotland.
“I am delighted that this funding will be used to support projects across Edinburgh which have been developed by and for local people which will allow communities to come together to make life better for everyone.
National Lottery player players can be proud to know that that money they raise is helping to support this vital work in Edinburgh.”
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.
ONE of Scotland’s most luxurious care homes will open its doors to the public this week with an exclusive tour around its facilities.
Located in north Edinburgh, Cramond Residence is offering people the chance to view its high-end care home on Friday 15 September from 3pm.
Fronted by a guided tour, guests will able be able to enjoy home baking and a ‘cuppa’ as they learn more about the benefits of the home; from its care package offerings to its bespoke digital care systems – ensuring that all residents have their individual needs met.
Client Liaison Manager Christian Daraio said: “This Open Day offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families to explore the top-notch care and facilities offered by the residence.
“If you or a loved one are considering residential, respite, or recuperative care, the Cramond Residence Open Day is a must-attend event.
“Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the residence, enjoying a cup of tea and sampling delightful home baking, while also having the chance to ask any questions they might have.
“This event also provides a chance to meet the dedicated team as well as engage in conversations with our current residents.”
Cramond Residence is divided into nine individual homes, each named after an area of Edinburgh, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among residents.
With private dining and living rooms in each home, socialising and forming lasting connections are a natural part of life at Cramond Residence.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the main communal areas, including a spacious dining rooms, a well-stocked library, a private ‘fine dining’ room, a cinema, a physiotherapy area, and a hairdressing salon.
Additionally, Cramond Residence offers cutting-edge facilities, such as high-tech therapy baths, to cater to the diverse needs of its residents.
The stunning gardens and summer house also invite attendees to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Cramond Residence is proud of its commitment to providing a high quality of life to its residents and invites the community to witness it firsthand. There is no need to book in advance; simply come along on the day.
For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.
W
Playlist for Life president Sally Magnusson shared her personal experience with using in dementia care with her mother Mamie that led to her founding the charity in 2013, and we heard some powerful testimony from our lived experience ambassador Carol about how discovering and using playlists has been life-changing for managing symptoms.
We received some wonderful endorsements for our work from MSPs including Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Tom Arthur, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party @Anas Sarwar and our generous event sponsor Foysol Choudhury. We were also delighted to have 
We enjoyed a performance from our new musical ambassadors 
We want to see everyone singing from the same song sheet when it comes to embedding personal playlists into dementia care in the U.K., where if nothing changes, 1 in 2 people will be affected by dementia by either developing the condition, caring for someone with it, or both.
