Residents of Broughton House Veteran Care Village tucked into a Burns Night supper when the home held a traditional celebration of the life and works of the famous Scottish poet.
Several veterans living at the Salford care village hail from north of the border, and the occasion meant they could enjoy a real taste of home in style.
The residents enjoyed a meal of haggis, neeps and tatties in whisky sauce, with cranachan for dessert, followed by a whisky tasting session washed down with shortbread.
In traditional fashion, the haggis was carried into the Veterans’ Mess on a silver platter by chef Gary Alexander, accompanied by piper Richard France, of the Manchester Community Pipe Band, and Col (Ret’d) Russ Miller, a trustee of Broughton House and a proud Scot.
Russ gave the traditional address to the haggis before the dish was served to residents. The Veterans’ Mess was decked out with tartan table liners and napkins, and Scottish residents proudly wore their tartan bow-ties and trews.
Among the residents enjoying the occasion was Archie Scott, a former private in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Archie, who is from Paisley, wore his Glengarry regimental headgear for the meal and said: “I’m a proud Scot and it was really nice to be part of the occasion. It provided a real taste of home.”
Jane Green, director of care at Broughton House, said:
“We always like to ensure our residents get the opportunity to mark significant occasions and events just as they have always done.
“Burns Night is a long-held traditional celebration and it’s pleasing that we can put on this type of event so our Scottish veterans can continue to enjoy them here.
“Our other residents who are not from Scotland had a lovely time, and the camaraderie, as usual at Broughton House, was excellent.
“It’s fantastic to be able to arrange this kind of get-together for our veterans.”
