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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Eszter Tárnai

Humza Yousaf dances and chats with care home residents

FIRST Minister Humza Yousaf visited a care home in Glasgow's Southside.

The politician greeted residents at Meadowburn Care Home in Pollok, after being invited by one of them when they met at the opening of the Bellarmine addition to St Paul’s High School.

He opened the new addition to the establishment last month, where he met Catherine McQuarrie, 89, who asked him to come along.

At the home, he chatted and danced with pensioners as he was shown around the facility.

The National: Catherine McQuarrie, 89, and Humza YousafCatherine McQuarrie, 89, and Humza Yousaf (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

The National: Catherine McQuarrie, 89 and Humza YousafCatherine McQuarrie, 89 and Humza Yousaf (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

The National: Catherine McQuarrie, 89, and Humza YousafCatherine McQuarrie, 89, and Humza Yousaf (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

He said: "It's been an incredible, valuable visit.

"I come in and out of care homes often, but I have to say Meadowburn has been hugely impressive.

"And it's not just about the fantastic building, it's about the staff and the quality of care.

"How they involve the families of the residents really creates a very happy atmosphere a for mental and physical health.

"A First Minister, I'm thinking about 'well, if we can have this level of care and quality of care here, why can't we have it across the country?'

"I had a wonderful time. They are so full of energy.

"It was so nice to spend some time here, hear some stories about days gone by and hear about how much they love being here and all the activities put on by the staff.

"For me, it's a huge honour being First Minister of Scotland and local MSP and the fact that I can make people's day by just spending a bit of time with them is the least I can do."

The National: The First Minister on arrivalThe First Minister on arrival (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

The National: The First Minister at the Glasgow care homeThe First Minister at the Glasgow care home (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

The National: Anna Doherty, 87, and Humza YousafAnna Doherty, 87, and Humza Yousaf (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Marie McFarlane, whose mother lives at Meadowburn, said: "She is so excited. The social aspect of life in here is really nice for residents and she is always happy to join in.

"She is having a great time and because residents are all in different units, it's a great opportunity for them to see each other."

Angela McGennis, activity coordinator at the facility, said: "They were all very excited and looking forward to it.

"And Cathy was so much looking forward to it.

"It's very important for residents to keep up with community life.

"When they come into care, it's not about them staying here, it's still about linking in a community setting and continuing meaningful activities which they have enjoyed throughout their lives."

The National: Humza Yousaf in the pavilion Humza Yousaf in the pavilion (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

The National: Service manager Anne Gallanagh with Humza YousafService manager Anne Gallanagh with Humza Yousaf (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

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