Could this be the first care home with its very own theme tune? It’s a ‘pipe dream’ come true

Home news

Feb 18, 2019

A new care home in Edinburgh has released its very own theme tune after a recent competition.

The team at Care UK’s Murrayside care home, on South Beechwood, crowned Christopher Happs, a pupil at George Heriot’s School and a piper in the school pipe band, as the winner of its music competition.

The competition was launched by Murrayside in November, in conjunction with George Heriot’s School, to commemorate the home’s ‘Grand Launch’ and find a traditional theme tune to be played during special events.

The winning composition was chosen by a panel of judges composed of residents at Murrayside. The jury praised Christopher’s tune, which they described as “lively”, with a “lovely melody”, and said it “made them feel at home”. The winning composer was also presented with a trophy as a memento of his success by Gillian Gray, customer relations manager at Murrayside.

Michelle Reid, home manager at Murrayside, said: “As we’ve just opened our doors here at Murrayside, we are keen to embed ourselves within the community, so our music competition was a wonderful way to make the most of local people’s creativity.

“Music can have many benefits for people living with dementia – it can trigger old memories and prompt a conversation, as well as reducing anxiety and helping maintain speech and language. We were delighted to announce Christopher as the winner of our music competition – the tune he composed is perfectly suited to the home, and we look forward to playing it at future events!”

The new care home, which features 63 ensuite bedrooms, has been specially designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, and has its own cinema, hair salon and café.