There was a flutter of excitement in Inverness as Highview House care home welcomed some truly extraordinary guests.
On Friday 23 May, residents gathered in the lounge to find a group of owls calmly perched and ready to charm.
The visit was arranged by Owl Adventures, a conservation group based in Yorkshire, who brought several birds of prey to meet and mingle with the residents.
The owls were not just there to be admired from afar.
Residents were able to hold them, feed them, and ask questions about their lives in the wild.
For many, it was their first close encounter with such majestic creatures.
Jesse Mackenzie, a resident at Highview, beamed with joy as she described the experience.
“The owls are absolutely beautiful,” she said.
“It was such a thrill to hold them.”
“I never thought I’d do anything like that in my life.”
Lead activities coordinator Aiden Wylie said the visit was a highlight for everyone.
“Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors today,” he said.
“We knew it would be fun, but it turned out to be just as educational.”
“Activities in care homes don’t always have to be about the past.”
“Now our residents can say, ‘Yes, I’ve held a bird of prey.’”
“That’s not something most people can claim.”
The visit was part of Highview House’s wider approach to care, which focuses on making daily life joyful, varied, and full of purpose.
The home, located in the Scorguie area of Inverness, is part of Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers.
Highview offers residential, nursing and dementia care for more than seventy people, with both short-term and long-term support.
The team regularly organises creative activities and visits that keep residents connected to the world in uplifting and meaningful ways.
Friday’s owl visit was a perfect example.
It brought smiles, sparked conversations, and reminded everyone in the room that no matter your age, you can always try something new.
Even if that something has feathers and a sharp beak.
