Care homes to host free Pride events

Care homes in Keith and Fortrose will this weekend celebrate Pride with free community music events.

The celebrations form part of Parklands Pride, Parklands Care Homes’ annual celebration of inclusion and diversity, which has become a highlight for residents, families and staff since its launch in 2023.

This year’s Parklands Pride programme features two events, with the Keith celebration set to be the largest yet.

Local care homes Glenisla and Weston View have joined forces to host an afternoon of entertainment at Longmore Community Hall in Keith on Saturday 18 October, from 1pm to 5pm. The event is being held in aid of Mikeysline, Parklands’ charity partner, which provides mental health support across the Highlands and Moray.

The afternoon’s line-up includes local musician Gordon Strathdee, singer Sugar Browne, drag performer Miss Idah (above), and the Heart Strings Choir, made up of residents and staff from Speyside and Glenisla care homes. The celebration will round off with a Pride-themed disco.

The entertainment continues the following day at Eilean Dubh Care Home in Fortrose, as Sugar Browne and traditional music group Tuath (below) take to the stage on Sunday 19 October, from 3pm to 4.30pm.

Both events are free and open to the local community.

Donald Morrison, Communications Director at Parklands Care Homes, said: “Parklands Pride is a chance to celebrate diversity in all its forms and to bring people from different backgrounds and life experiences together. The world can feel challenging for many, and we want our homes to send a clear message: everyone is welcome, and everyone is valued. We’re delighted to share that spirit of inclusivity with the wider community once again this year.”