Residents at Barchester Healthcare’s Strachan House care home in Blackhall celebrated Mother’s Day with visits and video calls from family members near and far. The home was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and bunting for the occasion.
Staff at Strachan House arranged a wonderful afternoon tea for all their all their resident mums. Head chef, Paul Dow freshly prepared sandwiches and his signature much loved scones with Cornish clotted cream to mark the day.
Muriel Sinclair (102) celebrates Mother’s Day
General Manager, Gordon Philp said: “We’ve all had a really lovely day. It has been so good to see family members who were able to visit in person and to have video calls with those who are further away.
“Our residents enjoyed a fantastic afternoon tea prepared by our brilliant chefs. Days like these are so special.”
This Mother’s Day, mother and daughter Aileen Robertson and Eilidh McMillian share stories about their special time performing together at the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade as part of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Connected through their family bond and mutual love of dance, they have been involved with the Tattoo for many years, with Eilidh having performed on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade and Aileen leading the Tattoo Dancers as Dance Director since 2014.
A previous Champion Dancer, Eilidh first performed at the Tattoo in 2014 and performed with the illustrious Show for three years before becoming the Dance Captain working alongside her mum. For both Aileen and Eilidh, dance is a central component of their lives, and the opportunity to be part of the world-famous Tattoo is a career highlight.
Speaking about her experience at the Tattoo, Eilidh said: “I danced for the first time when my Mum took over in 2014 and I absolutely loved it and have great memories.
“After I became Dance Captain, I made a very good reserve dancer for the team and in fact was required to dance in the Show most recently in 2018.”
Aileen added: “The Tattoo is always a highlight every year and I’m always excited to see the Show coming together.
“It is great to work with a talented team of people to produce the show. It’s exciting to feel the buzz from the audience as they arrive onto the Esplanade. You are surrounded by excitement and an audience waiting in anticipation to view the Show.”
It has never been a challenge for Aileen and Eilidh to work together. Eilidh explains that like all her dance classmates, she had to prove that she wanted to dance for herself and earn her place in the team. Being able to work together at the Tattoo was a special time for them both, as they were able to share in and experience the diversity and the global connection that the Tattoo brings.
Aileen continued: “We both have a passion for what we do, and working together is always great fun. We have a close relationship so I can rely on her loyalty and commitment, both professionally and personally. She is always by my side if I need her.”
When not supporting the production of the Tattoo, Aileen can be found at her own Dance School in Ayr running classes four nights a week. She is also a Fellow and Examiner of the Scottish Dance Teachers’ Alliance (SDTA), a Life Member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD) and an Adjudicator on the Worldwide Panel of Adjudicators of the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing.
Eilidh works closely with her mother teaching full-time at the Dance School, covering all classes when Aileen is overseas or on Tattoo business. Like her mother, Eilidh is a Fellow and Examiner of the SDTA and an Adjudicator on the Worldwide Panel of Adjudicators of the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing.
A mother herself to two-year-old Thomas, Eilidh concluded: “Everything good about me, came from my mum. If I can be half the mother that she is, I will consider motherhood a success.”
The special connection, sparkling creativity, and outstanding talent that Aileen and Eilidh both bring to the Tattoo shines through in their contribution to each rehearsal, performance, and Show. As the Tattoo prepares to bring Stories to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade this coming August, Aileen and Eilidh’s story is a reminder of what the Tattoo represents.
Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “This year’s Tattoo Show Stories brings people together from every corner of the world to share tales of the joy of each other’s cultures.
“It’s the people, like Aileen and Eilidh, that truly bring the Tattoo story to life and come together to make, build, and strengthen relationships each and every August.
“Under the stars at the landmark Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, our performers – our very own Tattoo family – will bring a collection of unique stories and experiences this August that will delight audiences near and far.”
Stories will run from 4-26 August 2023, featuring the military at the heart of the showcase with the Royal Air Force confirmed as the lead service.
Audiences can expect the magnificent sounds of the Massed Pipes and Drums filling up the Esplanade alongside performances from the incredibly talented Tattoo Pipes and Drums and Tattoo Dancers.
Further details about Stories will be announced in the coming months.
To purchase tickets for the summer’s Show, visit edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or call 0131 225 1188.
A nurse and her daughter who work at the same hospital have both told how they love being part of the NHS family – and how proud they are of each other for the work they do.
Geraldine Sparkes is lead nurse for the Acute Medical Unit and Medical Assessment Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley, and 18-year-old Gemma is a Health Care Support Worker on Ward 10.
They live together in Paisley with dad Trevor and nine-year-old daughter Mirren, and the whole family is spending Mother’s Day together.
The pair travel together to work every morning – stopping on the way for a coffee that’s “totally essential” according to Gemma – but because of Gemma’s shifts it’s quite unusual for them to get time off together, and Geraldine is really excited because of that.
“We’re all going out for a steak dinner, and I’m looking forward to spending the day together. I think it will be really special.”
What Geraldine doesn’t know is that Gemma “sweet-talked her boss” to be able to spend time with her mum. “It’s great that we’ll all be able to celebrate Mother’s Day together this year. I’ve got a few wee bits for mum, and Mirren loves arts and crafts so she’s been doing lots. I think it will be a lovely day.”
Geraldine, 38, has only been a nurse for eight years, after deciding to change career to care for patients. She juggled her training with her day job, as well as doing bank shifts to get additional experience, and she is now passionate about the NHS, the RAH and being a nurse.
She said: “There’s no denying that nursing has its challenges just now, but I feel so strongly that it’s a wonderful job. There are so many different roles in the NHS that once you’re part of the NHS family the world’s really your oyster.
“I’d encourage any young person to come and work with us – and especially at the RAH! Working locally is great – we really feel part of the community, and to be supporting neighbours and friends is the best feeling.”
But it’s when she starts speaking about Gemma that her pride really shows.
“I’m so proud of her. She’s been working since she was 16 and has a great work ethic. It’s great to see her in a full-time job, and hopefully it will be the start of a great career for her.
“When she first started at the hospital she was quite apprehensive, but she’s hit the ground running and I’ve been told she’s doing really well and has a great way with patients and relatives.”
Gemma has only been a HCSW since November, but she’s loving her time at the RAH. “It’s a great place to work,” she said. “I really feel like a part of the team. Everyone is so helpful – and not just the people at my grade but everyone, right up to the managers.
“I love working here and I’m really proud of the NHS. I’m always telling my friends to go for it, that working here is really worth it.”
But she admits working with her mum has taken her a bit by surprise. “It’s really weird! At home she’s my mum, but I see a completely different side of her when she’s working. She’s so committed and professional – she takes the care of her patients so seriously.
“In fact I’m really proud of her.”
Geraldine feels very lucky to be sharing today with her family, and she has one final message.
“Happy Mother’s Day to all mums today – and special thanks to my colleagues at the RAH who are on duty caring for our patients, or any other mums who are working. You’re all doing an amazing job.”
Introducing ‘Messy Brekkies’: the first ever Mother’s Day recipe book to show what really happens when kids take to the kitchen
In a twist on the usual highly styled and perfect food photography, Asda’s ‘Messy Brekkies’ e-book showcases classic Mother’s Day breakfast dishes in all their perfectly imperfect glory
This Mother’s Day, Asda releases the first recipe book that reveals the less-than-perfect results of kids let loose in the kitchen
Asda’s ‘Messy Brekkies’ e-book includes food photography that is a far cry from the usual stylised shots – because as mums know, it’s the thought, not the presentation, that counts
Asda tasked a team of budding chefs with the all-important job of recipe testing: Alice (7), Elijah (7), Alfie (6) and Grace (4)
The little novices took to the kitchen to work up seven delicious recipes: from pancakes and waffles to eggy bread and scrambled eggs – getting very messy in the process
Mother’s Day. The one day of the year when mums and mother figures get a lie-in and are treated to breakfast in bed, over-enthusiastically made by little hands. Whether its swimming in syrup or camouflaged by caster sugar, each messy breakfast is a labour of love and, as mum knows, it’s the thought that counts. This year, to celebrate Mother’s Day, Asda launches a unique recipe book of ‘Messy Brekkies’, showing the reality of what the mums in our lives typically get served – and the glorious mess made in the kitchen.
Set the all-important task of recipe testing, Asda appointed four children aged 4-7 to cook their Mother’s Day breakfasts in all of their perfectly imperfect glory. The adorable team, comprised of Alice (7), Elijah (7), Alfie (6) and Grace (4) rolled up their sleeves and took to the kitchen to develop a repertoire of recipes full of heart for March 19th.
The seven resulting dishes include Perfectly Imperfect Pancakes, Seriously Scrambled Eggs on Toast, Warm-Your-Heart Waffles, an Eggstra-exciting Eggy Bread Sandwich, a Wonderfully Warm Croissant Sandwich, Heavenly Hot Cross Buns with Chocolate & Fresh Fruit and a Totally Tasty Pastry Plate.
Asda’s ‘Messy Brekkies’ e-book ensures there’s something for every mum and shows that even in the age of Insta-worthy food shots and Michelin star plate arrangements, it’s really just the thought that counts when it comes to Mother’s Day.
To inspire other little cooks ahead of Mother’s Day, the ‘Messy Brekkies’ e-book is available to download from https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/asda-messy-brekkies, complete with all seven recipes and instructions for little chefs to try at home (with adult supervision, of course!).
Alice, aged 7, Mother’s Day Recipe Tester at Asda and daughter to Kate, said: “My mummy likes eggs for breakfast, so I made Eggy Bread with Daddy’s help. I liked cracking the eggs and dipping the bread in, but it was a bit messy – my hands had stuff all over them!”
Elijah, aged 7, Mother’s Day Recipe Tester at Asda and son to Roxsanne, said:“I made pancakes, because they’re mine and my mum’s favourite. My favourite bit was putting on the toppings, especially the chocolate chips…”.
As Asda spokesperson said:“When it comes to Mother’s Day, nothing beats a heartfelt gesture like homemade breakfast in bed. The outcome isn’t always pretty, but the knowledge that it’s been made with love is better than any aesthetically pleasing plate.
“When it came to appointing our Mother’s Day recipe testers we wanted to hand creative control to those who know Mum best – the kids! The dishes tested by Alice, Elijah, Alfie and Grace make use of the fantastic range of products across The Bakery at Asda and wider store and are totally delicious.
“We hope that in reading our Messy Brekkies E-book, everyone is inspired to get in the kitchen and give these Messy Brekkies a go.”
Whether you’re looking to plan the ultimate day out or find the perfect gift, St James Quarter has everything you need to keep the whole family entertained.
From pet mums to step mums, everyone deserves to be spoiled this year and shoppers can enjoy retailer offers from a selection of some of the Quarter’s top brands including H Beauty which will be offering customers a choice of five deluxe samples as part of a female founded brand beauty box when they spend over £75.
Those looking to add a personal touch can get their gifts engraved by talented calligrapher Laila Lettering in John Lewis from 1-4pm on 18th March. Just spend £50 or more in store to take advantage of this unique and complimentary service.
Rituals and Neom will be providing the zen factor with complimentary hand and arm massage treatments so you can treat the mother figure in your life to some pamper time.
Rituals will be welcoming walk-ins across Mother’s Day weekend and Neom will be taking bookings between Monday 13th March – Sunday 19th March for massage for two, accompanied by a ‘mumosa’ and Hotel Chocolat treats. Anyone who books with Neom will also receive a 15% discount so they can treat themselves or choose the perfect gift.
If you want to indulge in a little luxury, Coach and Kate Spade will be giving shoppers £100 off when they spend over £400 between 9th – 19th March.
Those looking to make a day of it can continue the celebrations with a bite to eat at one of the Quarter’s many impressive dining destinations including Street Burger by Gordon Ramsay which will be offering a free strawberry spritz cocktail for all mums on the day. Duck & Waffle will also be offering complimentary fizz on arrival as well as a little chocolate dessert, the perfect sweet treat to round off a great day out with mum.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show the mother figure in your life some appreciation, and St James Quarter is on hand to help you celebrate in style to make this year extra special.
“From our selection of world class retailers to our impressive dining and leisure destinations, there’s something for everyone at the Quarter and we look forward to welcoming you to celebrate this special day with us.”
Mother’s Day retailer discounts and activities will be taking place at St James Quarter from 9th – 19th March.
Keep up to date with the full range of promotions on offer by visiting the website: https://stjamesquarter.com/ and stay up to date with the latest via the @StJamesQuarter Instagram page.
Treat your mother figure to an afternoon of whisky and chocolate tasting
On Sunday, March 19, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh’s five-star whisky attraction, will celebrate Mother’s Day by offering guests a chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to a guided tasting of three delicious whiskies, each perfectly paired with a chocolate truffle from The Highland Chocolatier lain Burnett.
Set to take place in the ground floor retail area at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, this 45-minute experience will give lucky mother figures a taste of some of Scotland’s best whiskies, as well as some Johnnie Walker hospitality at Scotland’s visitor attraction of the year, as awarded by Whisky magazine.
The tasting will start with the velvety smooth and aromatic Dalwhinnie 15-year-old, then the delicate fruity Cardhu 15-year-old with bitter chocolate notes that pair perfectly with The Highland Chocolatier. This will be followed by a classic Johnnie Walker old fashioned with a raspberry twist. Guests will also learn about these unique drams, their distinct flavours, their history and the delicious chocolate they are paired with.
As a parting gift, all the lovely mothers on show will be presented with a mini dried bouquet to take home.
Rob Maxwell, head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street said:“Our mother figures play such important roles in our lives, and they always deserve to be celebrated. We are really looking forward to hosting a great tasting experience that’ll live long in the memories of all the whisky-loving mums in attendance.”
A 20% discount will be offered for the bottle of each whisky from the tasting, as well as 10% off other retail purchases of up to £500 and for drinks in the bar on the day of the experience, and for up to 7 days afterwards (T&Cs apply).
To redeem, guests must show their confirmation ticket to a member of staff at the till.
For more information and to book an experience, please visit:
Afternoon tea includes a tower of sandwiches, cakes, fruit scones and a pot of tea for £10 –
Offer available in Morrisons cafés nationwide from 13th – 19th March –
Morrisons has cut the price of its popular afternoon tea for two to just £10 in its cafés ahead of Mother’s Day.
Customers will receive a selection of sandwiches, cakes, fruit scones – complete with jam and clotted cream, and a pot of Yorkshire Tea for mums to enjoy as a tasty treat at an affordable price.
The afternoon tea is presented on a three-tier stand just as it is in hotels and upmarket restaurants to give customers a touch of luxury and make the momentous day extra special.
For those that want to dine from the comfort of their own home, the afternoon tea can also be ordered for collection from the store at a date and time that is convenient for them.
At £5 per person, the Morrisons afternoon tea is a fraction of the price of alternatives including Fortnum & Mason’s which will set diners back £75 each.*
For younger customers looking to treat mum with their pocket money, there are alternative options available including:
toasted fruit tea cakes for £1.29
crumpets for just £0.99
hot drinks from £1.29.
Morrisons is committed to providing good quality food at affordable prices in its cafés and this deal follows the recent launch of a two-course set menu for just £8.99 . Morrisons is also continuing to reduce prices across its stores and has cut costs of 1,000s of products this year alone.
Chris Strong, Morrisons Cafébuyer, says: “Treating mum shouldn’t cost the earth, that’s why we’re helping our customers by cutting the price of our popular afternoon tea for two just in time for Mother’s Day.
“Customers can spoil mum with a selection of tasty sandwiches, cakes and fruit scones for just £10 – we look forward to welcoming families into our cafés to celebrate.”
The afternoon tea for two is available in all Morrisons cafés nationwide and can also be ordered for collection.
The celebrity mum is supporting the international aid charity this Mother’s Day
Musician and celebrity mum Izzy Judd says she has been swept off her feet by international aid charity Mary’s Meals.
The mother-of-three – who is married to McFly star Harry – is encouraging families across the UK to support the charity by giving a Mother’s Day gift that will help to feed children living in the world’s poorest countries.
She says: “As a mother to Lola, Kit and Lockie, I know how important it is for children to be happy, healthy, and well-educated. And that’s what Mary’s Meals is all about. Its life-changing school meals attract little ones into the classroom, where they can learn their way to a better future.
“I have been swept off my feet by this incredible charity – and you should be too!”
Mary’s Meals serves nutritious school meals to children living in some of the world’s poorest countries. The promise of a good meal attracts hungry children into the classroom, where they can gain an education that that can be their ladder out of poverty.
The charity feeds more than 2.4 million children every school day – and it says this simply wouldn’t be possible without the love and dedication of mothers all around the world.
Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, explains: “Here in the UK, we are lucky to be supported by amazing women, like Izzy, who fundraise and volunteer so that we can feed desperately hungry children.
“And in the countries where we work, it is most often mothers who volunteer to prepare, cook, and serve the food. They do this so that their children, and the children in their communities, can have the chance of a better life.”
To mark Mother’s Day [Sunday, 19 March], Mary’s Meals is offering a range of beautiful gift cards. Priced from just £19.15, each of these special cards will feed a hungry child with Mary’s Meals every day for a school year.
Izzy continues: “I will be dropping some hints to my children for a Mary’s Meals gift, and I will also be giving one of these lovely cards to my own mum, Gill.
“I think she will be thrilled to know that, together, we are ensuring that a child is in school, with a full belly, ready to learn.”
It costs just £19.15 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a full school year.
To find out more and to purchase a Mother’s Day gift card, please visit:
Customers can grab a main, hot dessert and drink for just £8.99
Kids Eat Free offer can be claimed alongside new deal
Available in all cafes now until April 2nd
Morrisons has launched a new two-course set menu in all its cafés allowing customers to get a main, hot dessert and drink for just £8.99.
Favourite dishes such as fish & chips, lasagne and a roast dinner with all the trimmings can be enjoyed alongside a drink and topped off with a Bramley apple crumble or a sticky toffee pudding – all for under a tenner.
The £8.99 two-course deal is available in every Morrisons café nationwide from today until April 2. It comes after customers praised the value of the set menu at Christmas and asked if a similar deal could be introduced outside the festive season.
What’s more, the popular Kids Eat Free offer which allows customers to get a free kids meal with every adult meal costing £4.49 or more, can be claimed alongside the new £8.99 deal. Making Morrisons café the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal as a family at great value.
Kids can choose from the all-day breakfast menu as well as the main menu which includes favourites such as fish fingers & chips or chicken nuggets, chips & peas. All items from the children’s menu are served with a piece of fruit and a drink.
Morrisons is committed to providing good quality food at affordable prices in its cafés and this deal follows last week’s two for £10 breakfast offer as well as the permanent price cuts that were made to the café menu at the end of last year.
Morrisons is also continuing to reduce prices across its stores and has cut 1,000s of products this year alone.
Chris Strong, Morrisons Café buyer, says: “Our customers told us how much they appreciated the great value of our set menu at Christmas and asked us if we could bring it back at other times of the year.
“We’re pleased to be doing just that and offering a great value two course meal for just £8.99 – plus a drink! As it can be used alongside our Kids Eat Free offer it means the whole family can benefit.”
The UK’s leading garden centre, Dobbies, is celebrating mother figures in Edinburgh with its Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, taking place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store.
Show your love and appreciation for the mother figure in your life by treating her to an array of delicious bites, complete with a complimentary gift that can be taken away and planted at home.
From delicious sandwiches to buttery scones with Cornish clotted cream and a melt-in-your-mouth blackberry delice, Dobbies’ traditional Afternoon Tea will certainly impress.
Customers in Edinburgh can enjoy refillable tea or coffee and even upgrade with a 200ml bottle of Prosecco for £6.35 per person. The Children’s Afternoon Tea is also available for families looking to celebrate Mother’s Day together.
Adam Veysey, Dobbies’ Development Chef, said: “We are looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day this year with a fantastic Afternoon Tea experience which features three tiers of treats to enjoy.
“On the first tier there are freshly made finger sandwiches; the second has our famous Dobbies’ scones; while the third tier has a carefully selected range of delicious cakes, tarts and a mini macaroon. We hope mums enjoy the gift, which comes with care tips to support a successful bloom.”
The Adult Afternoon Tea starts at £13.50 per person and the Children’s Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed for £8.50 per child.
For more information about Dobbies’ Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea experience in Edinburgh visit, Events | Dobbies Garden Centres
