Scotland from the Armchair Experience

Experience the delightful sounds of Scottish music and culture, right from the comfort of your arm chair with the exclusive "Scotland from the Armchair Experience", brought to you by KJ Folk Music. This interactive and engaging experience brings the sounds and traditions of Scotland directly to your residents, providing a unique and memorable entertainment option.

Our "Scotland From the Armchair Experience" is perfect for care homes looking to offer their residents an enriching and immersive cultural experience. With Kathryn's expertise in folk music and bagpiping, residents will be transported to the heart of Scotland without ever leaving their seats.

Our Experience Includes

Traditional Scottish tunes on the highland bagpipes
Adapted ceilidh dancing
Foot-stomping tunes on the diatonic accordion
Opportunity to join in with traditional songs
Stories from Kathryn about her roots & her connection to Scotland
Guaranteed smiles and laughter

Our story

Kathryn believes that folk music isn’t just for stages or festivals — it belongs to everyone, in every stage of life. Her mission is to make traditional music welcoming and accessible across all generations, especially for those who might not often experience live performance. With warmth, sensitivity, and a genuine love for connecting through music, she brings people together through shared stories, gentle movement, and joyful tunes. Scotland From the Armchair is just one of the ways she helps residents feel seen, included, and uplifted — no matter their age or ability.

When to book a session?

Perfect for Burns Night, St Andrew’s Day, or any time of year, this uplifting experience can be enjoyed as a cultural celebration or simply as a fun, musical way to bring people together. It’s a versatile session that suits a wide range of occasions, including:

Burns Night Week (Around 25th January) — celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns with music, storytelling, and song
St Andrew’s Day Week (Around 30th November) — honour Scotland’s patron saint with a day of Scottish culture
Winter warmers — ideal for bringing joy and movement into darker months
Summer themes — bring the Highlands to your garden party or indoor summer social
Cultural celebration days — perfect for events with a focus on world traditions or national heritage
Resident birthdays — especially for residents with Scottish roots or those who simply love music
Any regular activity day — when you want something unique, uplifting, and inclusive

What is Ceilidh Dancing?

Ceilidh dancing is a social folk tradition based on patterns of movement and rhythm, usually done in groups with a "ceilidh caller|" teaching the moves before the dance begins. In this adapted version, it becomes a fun and gentle way to move, connect, and engage with the energy of the music. Whether residents are tapping a toe, clapping to the beat, or joining in the singing, this session brings warmth, culture, and connection right into the room.

How long is the experience?

The session lasts around one hour, which we’ve found is the ideal length to keep residents engaged without becoming too tiring. It allows enough time for a rich mix of music, movement, singing, and storytelling, while respecting attention spans, energy levels, and care routines. The pacing is gentle and flexible, making sure everyone can enjoy the experience in a way that feels comfortable and manageable.

Extra activities

Many care homes choose to build on the experience with Scottish-themed activities throughout the day — from quizzes and Scottish word displays to tartan dress-ups, colouring sheets, and even a taste of haggis at meal times — turning it into a full celebration of Scottish culture.

Reviews

"Excellent afternoon at The Hermitage Care Home in Whittlesey. Our ladies and gentlemen were amazed today. You made lots of people very happy and even made some happy tears 👌👌 definitely recommend 🥰"