Guest blog: Age Scotland members visit Dumfries House

KCCF has supported Age Scotland through a strategic funding partnership since 2023. Our support focuses on their Information, Advice and Friendship services, which complement the work of Age Scotland member groups across the nation. Recently, two member groups from Glasgow visited Dumfries House, the home of The King's Foundation, whom we also support. Read on to learn more!

The Milton Rattlers and The Recycled Teenagers enjoyed a fantastic day out at Dumfries House. The groups were picked up in Glasgow by Stagecoach and taken to Dumfries House where they enjoyed a 90-minute tour of the magnificent house with its unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture, followed by afternoon tea and the chance to explore the beautiful gardens.

Shonagh Hendry, Age Scotland Community Development Officer, said:

It was an amazing opportunity to provide a free day out for the people who are part of these two groups. It was a chance for everyone to get out of the city and enjoy a tour of the beautiful house and gardens, and the 2,000-acre estate. Everyone also enjoyed chatting and connecting with each other over afternoon tea.

The groups returned home having benefited from a relaxing day out in the countryside, enhancing their health and wellbeing, together with time spent in the company of others, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Margaret, from the Milton Rattlers, said:

Dumfries House day out was fantastic. What an interesting building and contents, the grounds, every part of them was better than the other! Well worth a visit for all ages. You could spend a full day there and still miss something. I would recommend it to everyone to go.

Jean, from the Recycled Teenagers, added:

We are a group of senior citizens in the north of Glasgow who recently had a day at Dumfries House it was a fantastic day with a tour of the house which was so interesting, followed with afternoon tea, great day was had by all.

The visit was made possible by Stagecoach West Scotland, who partnered with Age Scotland, providing the funding and transport to enable a ‘Grand Day Out’, the goal of which is to empower older adults to explore the region by bus.

KCCF are delighted to support Age Scotland’s work to improve the health and wellbeing of older people in Scotland and we are so pleased Glasgow members were able to visit Dumfries House.