Scotland’s World Cup return sparks football memories in care homes

25 May 2026

Residents from care homes across the Highlands and Moray have been sharing their love of football ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years, in a new video created by Parklands Care Homes.

The film brings together residents from Parklands’ care homes in Cullen, Keith, Aberlour, Fortrose and Inverness, sharing memories of famous matches, favourite players and messages of support ahead of Scotland’s World Cup return next month.

Lifelong Dons fan Danny Cook from Wakefield House in Cullen vividly remembers the night Scotland qualified after defeating Denmark 4-2 at Hampden. “It was wonderful. I just couldn’t believe it. You’d have heard me in the square in Cullen with joy and cheering and clapping”.

Alan Duffy from Glenisla in Keith said he “felt proud for the whole country”.

At Eilean Dubh in Fortrose, Sandee Mackintosh said residents gathered to watch the team qualify together. “I was pleased as punch. Very proud for Scotland”.

Former player Bruce Smith from Glenisla said qualification had been a long time coming. “They’ve missed out on quite a few,” he said. “It feels very, very good”. Danny Cook adds: “When our neighbours are there every other World Cup we feel left out.”

Peggy Mackintosh, a 94‑year‑old former PE teacher from Eilean Dubh, has loved football all her life and is “still crazy about it”. She said she was thrilled with the result, especially as “everybody thinks Scotland’s rubbish”.

Football was always a big attraction at the Highland pub run by former publican Ian Ritchie, now a resident at Pittyvaich in Inverness. “It always went down well. Lower league games or not, it didn't matter, it was always entertaining”.

For Glenisla resident Jimmy Petrie, loyalty is what matters most. “You support your team whether they win or lose”, he said.

The video also revisits some of football’s most memorable moments. Alan Duffy recalls Scotland’s 3–2 win over the Netherlands in the 1978 World Cup. “That was brilliant”, he says.

London‑born Alan Johnson from Speyside in Aberlour remembers England’s World Cup win in 1966: “When they won that Cup that was the best thing in the world”.

Danny Cook also recalls Scotland’s famous victory over the world champions in 1967. “There’s always this enmity between Scotland and England, isn't there?” he says. “We always like to beat England, don't we?”

Residents shared plenty of advice for Steve Clarke’s squad, urging the players to work together, stay positive and enjoy the occasion. “When we watch our country do well, be it rugby or football, we're just thrilled to bits. It boosts our country and it's great”, says Danny Cook.

Ian Ritchie believes confidence is key. “Every team must have great enthusiasm. No matter where they go and wherever they play, they must be convinced of the fact that they are going to win before they step on the pitch”, he says.

Alan Duffy said Scotland fans had experienced their fair share of disappointment over the years but believes the tournament will unite the country. “The whole country will be behind them”, he said.

Jimmy Petrie believes Scotland travels to the World Cup as “underdogs” but is confident the team will play well.

The final word goes to Sandee Mackintosh, who tells the Scotland squad: “Stay together and do your best for Scotland”.

This is the latest in a series of reminiscence videos produced by Parklands, with previous films recalling residents’ memories of the Moon Landing, Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Watch residents share their football memories below.