Activities at Strachan House Care Home

We had a lovely time joining Becca Clark and James Wylie – members of V&A Dundee’s exhibitions team – as they took us on a virtual tour of the museum’s incredible Scottish Design Galleries.

We were introduced to the wide range of unique objects at the galleries from architecture and engineering, jewellery and textiles to theatre and their fascinating stories.

And we were able to learn more about the importance of all objects in telling the rich and varied history of Scottish design.

It was a lovely talk, enjoyed by all.

Strachan House decided to celebrate National Dog day and got up close and personal with some furry friends when they celebrated all the wonderful things about man’s best friend on National Dog Day, August 26th.

National Dog Day is an annual event to raise awareness of the number of dogs in rescue centres and to encourage people to adopt dogs from shelters and dog homes.

Residents, staff and relatives had a brilliant time with our very own dog show. Staff and relatives brought there four legged furry friends along and partook in our very own dog show and entered our ten categories which consisted of the waggiest tail, most obedient, most appealing eyes, best biscuit catcher, best prince, best princess, best dressed, best smile, best trick, there was also a residents favourite and the judges also awarded “the best in show” category. Our lovely judges were Jocelyn who is our pet therapist handler to Cullen a beautiful Gordon setter and we also invited Emma who is one of the managers from Craigleith pets at home.

We had a variation of different breeds of dogs from an American Johnston called Pandora, Max a wired haired pointer crossed with a Bernese mountain hound, Poppy a cavalier king Charles, Mazy & Holly who are Lhasa Apso, Mack who was a rock viler cross, Lola the pug, Bobby who is a wirehaired fox terrier. We learnt all about the different breeds and their characteristics, reminiscing about pets and finding out fascinating facts about dogs and puppies, our judges found it was very hard to decide on an overall winner! But Bobby our wired haired fox terrier was our judge’s choice. Our community champ from Morrison Gyle provided our winners with beautiful hampers full of goodies for our four legged friends.

Residents at Strachan House look forward to joining the animal care team live online from Iceland at the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary to get an inside look into the daily care for the two resident beluga whales: Little White and Little Grey.

You'll learn why the Beluga Whale Sanctuary was created, its mission to provide a more natural home for belugas in human care, and see first-hand how the dedicated team are not only caring for the whales, but preparing for their future in the sea sanctuary!

We took a wonderful virtual trip to Iceland and visited the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary to have an inside look into the daily care of their two resident beluga whales: Little White and Little Grey.

Our residents were introduced to the history of the Beluga Whale Sanctuary and learnt more about its mission to provide a more natural home for belugas in human care with a first-hand look at how the dedicated team are not only caring for the whales, but preparing for their future in the sea sanctuary!

It was an enjoyable event for everyone, learning more about the amazing beluga whales and how they are cared for at the sanctuary.

To mark World Photography Day, staff and residents were treated to a live streaming photography masterclass courtesy of top professional photographer, Damian Bailey.

A professional photographer since 2003, Damian has won Wedding Photographer of the Year and is listed as one of London’s top wedding photographers, having photographed over 700 weddings.  Damian travels all over the country shooting weddings, events and families and loves to help people create memories by capturing wonderful images that will be passed on from generation to generation.

Damian’s talk explained how he goes about capturing special moments and what makes a great photo in terms of technique and composition.  From landscapes to portrait photos, Damian shared his hints and tips for getting the best shots whatever the subject matter.

The residents at Strachan House Care Home had a wonderful afternoon in the garden with George from 1-2-1 exercise. There was lots of fun and laughter while doing our gentle chair exercises and keeping fit together is a popular group activity within the homes varied life enrichment programme.