Care home residents mean business with new pop-up shop

18 March 2026

Residents from Parklands and Burnbank care homes in Buckie have taken over a pop-up shop in Lossiemouth to raise money for their comfort fund.

For the next two weeks, the group will be running the shop at 51a Queen Street.

The idea came from Nicola Leader, whose late father Jocky Sandison was a resident at Burnbank. With the shop currently sitting empty, Nicola suggested opening it as a pop-up store selling donated clothes and household items, with all proceeds going to the residents’ comfort fund, which helps pay for entertainment, activities and day trips. She has been supported by volunteers Helen Low and Lorna Fiske.

Lisa Toogood, wellbeing coordinator at Parklands and Burnbank, said: “We’re very grateful to Nicola, Helen and Lorna who have done so much to support our residents, and to everyone in the community who donated items to help stock the shop. It’s a lovely idea and a great way for our residents to connect with local people. There has been such a wonderful buzz around the shop since it opened, with lots of smiles, laughter and excitement as residents welcome visitors and lend a hand.”

She added: “It’s been lovely to see residents chatting with customers and getting involved. We hope plenty of people will pop in over the next couple of weeks for a cuppa and a chat, and perhaps pick up a bargain or two while they’re there. Our residents are really enjoying spending time in the shop and being part of something special.”

The pop up shop will be open this week on Wednesday from 10am to 5pm, Thursday from 10am to 7pm, Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Next week, it will be open Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 5pm, with a late opening on its final day, Thursday 26 March, from 10am to 7pm. 

Pictured: Volunteer Lorna Fiske, Burnbank resident Sandra Smith and organiser Nicola Leader.