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Highland dancing brings joy to residents at Murrayfield House Care Home in Edinburgh

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 4:03 GMT by The Scotsman
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Highland Dancing Revives Spirits at Murrayfield House Care Home

A spirited afternoon of Scottish Highland dancing in an Edinburgh care‑home turned an ordinary weekend into a cultural celebration, reminding residents of their own youthful vigor and the enduring power of tradition. The event, staged at the Murray House Care Home, was orchestrated by the facility’s well‑being team in partnership with a local dance troupe, the Highland Dancers Edinburgh (HDE), and was a highlight of the month’s community outreach programme.

A Dance That Transcends Age

Highland dancing—renowned for its rapid footwork, stiff upper body, and iconic kilts—has long been a symbol of Scottish pride. Though often associated with competitive festivals, the art form can be adapted to suit people of all ages and abilities. According to the National Dance Council of Scotland, even basic rhythmic steps can improve balance, coordination, and cognitive function among older adults, offering both physical and mental benefits.

At Murray House, the dance session opened with a gentle warm‑up led by HDE’s resident instructor, Sandy MacDonald. MacDonald, who has taught Highland dance for over two decades and is a certified physiotherapist, emphasised safety and enjoyment over performance. “It’s not about competing,” she told the staff, “but about getting the feet moving and the mind engaged.”

The 90‑minute workshop began in the care home’s large community hall, where 15 residents were assembled, each accompanied by a staff member or volunteer. The participants, ranging from 68 to 93 years old, were introduced to three simple dances: the Balgownie, the Jock Stewart, and the signature Highland Fling. The instructor broke each routine into manageable segments, pairing movements with familiar songs that resonated with the residents’ past experiences.

The reaction was immediate. “I hadn’t danced since I was a teenager, but here it felt like I was back on the dance floor in St Andrews,” said Ellen MacDonald, a 72‑year‑old resident. The room erupted in laughter and applause as residents mirrored MacDonald’s steps, their shoulders rolling in sync with the rhythmic beat of a Scottish folk tune.

The Human Touch of Care

Murray House Care Home, situated in the heart of Edinburgh, is part of the Scottish Welfare Service network. It offers a range of services from memory care to personal care, with an emphasis on fostering independence and dignity for its residents. The facility’s Director of Care, Mrs. Fiona MacLeod, sees community activities as integral to resident wellbeing.

“It’s not just about keeping our residents busy,” MacLeod explains. “We want them to feel alive, to connect with their culture, and to find joy in the everyday. Dancing provides a tangible outlet for that.”

The care home’s well‑being coordinator, Mr. Alan Robertson, organised the partnership with HDE after noticing a gap in structured physical activity for residents with limited mobility. Robertson, who has worked in geriatric care for 15 years, noted that the dance session also encouraged inter‑generational interaction, as several of the residents had grandchildren visiting the home. “Seeing their grandparents move and smile was priceless,” Robertson said.

Beyond the Dance Floor

The impact of the dance event was measured in more than just smiles. In a small post‑session survey administered by the care home’s research team, 87 % of participants reported feeling “more energetic,” while 73 % noted an improvement in mood. A physiotherapist who observed the session confirmed that the choreography’s emphasis on heel‑to‑toe steps helped improve joint flexibility without overexerting the participants.

For many residents, the experience also sparked a deeper engagement with Scottish heritage. Several participants signed up to attend a local Highland Games event later in the summer, hoping to replicate the sense of community they felt at the care home. The event also featured a Celtic Music Corner, where an elderly man named Tom McLeish reminisced about his childhood in the Highlands, adding a personal touch to the festivities.

The Scottish Highland Dance Association (SHDA), which promotes Highland dance across the country, expressed admiration for Murray House’s initiative. In a statement, SHDA Director Claire MacFarlane said, “We’re thrilled to see Highland dance making its way into settings that traditionally may not have had access to such cultural enrichment. It’s a powerful reminder that our heritage is meant to be lived, not just observed.”

Looking Forward

The success of the dance event at Murray House Care Home has already prompted plans for a repeat session next month, this time with an added element of Celtic storytelling to further enrich the residents’ experience. In collaboration with the local Edinburgh Community Arts Group, the program will incorporate a short performance of The Ballad of the Highland Skies, performed by local musicians who will play live accompaniment during the dance.

Murray House’s leadership hopes that this initiative will become a model for other care facilities across Scotland. “We want to prove that aging does not mean losing touch with culture or joy,” MacLeod said. “If we can bring a slice of our heritage to those who might otherwise be isolated, that is a victory in itself.”

In a world where technology and screens increasingly dominate the lives of the elderly, it’s a simple yet profound reminder that human connection, physical movement, and cultural identity can coexist in even the most modest settings. The day at Murray House serves as a testament to the timelessness of Highland dance, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of community.