Stockton Scots celebrate Burns Night at The Beeches

SCOTTISH residents were among those celebrating Burns Night at a Stockton-on-Tees care home.

A traditional supper of haggis, neeps, tattie scones and shortbread was served for the occasion at The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane, Newtown Stockton-on-tees.

The home’s two resident scots, Jim Gibson and John Ritchie, were joined by their fellow residents to mark the life of poet Robert Burns, who died in 1796.

The annual event has become a part of Scottish culture and is celebrated around the world.

The food served at the care home was prepared by residents and their family members.

Family member and volunteer at The Beeches, Ruth Atkinson made the haggis, neeps and tattie scones.

The shortbread was made by John Ritchie’s wife, Margaret, and Jim Gibson’s daughter, Alice Waddell, created decorative heather sprigs.

Amy Trattles, activities coordinator at The Beeches Care Home, said: “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed tasting traditional Burns Night food – with one or two exceptions when it came to the acquired taste of haggis.

“Our two Scottish residents enjoyed it especially, as it made them feel very at home.”

Resident Alwyn Behan said: “I really enjoyed the tattie scones but really wasn’t keen on the haggis.”