An intergenerational choir has made its debut at the annual Christmas lights switch on in Nairn at the weekend.
High Life Highland’s Leadership Programme, Mikeysline and Nairn Youth Development are behind this special project involving residents at St Olaf’s Care Home and pupils at Auldearn Primary and Nursery.
Choir sessions have been taking place every Monday for the last few weeks, led by former Young Leaders at Nairn Academy and now professional performers – Kenna and Morna Ross. The sisters and their vocalists are being supported by existing local Young Leaders from Nairn Academy, making the project truly intergenerational. 
Elizabeth McDonald, High Life Highland Leadership Programme Development Officer explained: “Working alongside Mikeysline, we have been able to access some funding from the Scottish Government’s Family Wellbeing Fund via The Highland Council. This money is geared towards bringing families together, and we will deliver this in a variety of ways, hopefully ‘making life better’ for those involved.
“The Young Leaders input is integral to the success of the programme. The first event was a very well received Family Fun Festival, delivered by the Young Leaders during the summer. They have a different role now, acting as buddies in our Nairn Bee’s Intergenerational Choir, which is bringing some of our oldest and youngest residents together to enjoy singing.
“The practice sessions at both the nursery and the care home have been heartwarming to say the least and to see them perform together for the first time at the Christmas lights switch on was very special and uplifting. I am sure this is just the start of the choir’s journey as we have already been offered a few more gigs in the new year.”
Acting Head Teacher at Auldearn Primary School and Auldearn Early Learning and Childcare (ELC), Coinneach Morrison said: “The intergenerational choir has been an incredibly heartwarming, uplifting and engaging project for our children to participate in. Our pupils have been absolutely buzzing (pun intended!) to take part in our sessions, and the ongoing initiative helps our children to develop on so many levels.
“The active, language rich singing is supported by some excellent role models from High Life Highland’s Young Leadership Programme, and the project really resonates with a core ambition at our school and ELC; where we try to give something back to the local community whenever we can. What better way to do this than by sharing the children’s learning, while entertaining the public, and all in partnership with residents from St Olaf Care Home. We are so proud of what our children have achieved in such a short time through this fantastic project!”
Kath Allan, Manager at the St Olaf Care Home commented: “At St Olaf Care Home, music has always played an important part in daily life – especially for residents who spent years singing in choirs and community groups. So when Elizabeth McDonald, Development Officer for the High Life Highland Leadership Programme, approached us about creating an intergenerational choir within the home, it felt like the perfect fit.
“Our residents already look forward to the regular visits from Nairn Academy Leaders, and they are excited to welcome children from Auldearn Nursery into the home for this special project.
“We are incredibly grateful to local pianist and songwriter Kenna Ross, and her sister Morna, for their commitment and talent in supporting our residents throughout the programme. Their enthusiasm and care have helped bring the choir to life.
“Intergenerational work and music offer powerful benefits — lifting mood, stimulating memory, and building confidence and social connection. We have already seen the positive impact this project is having on our residents, and we are proud to be part of such a meaningful community collaboration.”
The choir sessions are set to continue with more performances lined up for the New Year.
