Buckle up Buckie! Care home residents get new wheels

Care home residents in Buckie are set to turn heads after local homes joined forces to buy a bright red electric bike.

Parklands & Burnbank and Netherha homes have teamed up to buy a specially adapted two-seater tricycle.

The homes plan to share the eye-catching tricycle in the same way they already share a minibus, allowing residents at both homes to enjoy regular rides around town.

The purchase was made possible through a joint fundraising effort by both homes. More than £4,000 was raised for the residents' comfort fund at Parklands & Burnbank when a team of community volunteers, led by Nicola Leader, opened a pop-up shop in Lossiemouth. Nicola's late father, Jocky, was a resident at Burnbank and enjoyed bike rides. In tribute to his memory, a plaque bearing his name will be attached to the tricycle.

Netherha also contributed towards the cost through raffles and generous donations from the families of former residents.

Denise Risk, manager at Parklands and Burnbank, said: “We're absolutely delighted. The bike is great fun and gives residents another way to get out and about, enjoy some fresh air and zip around town. They certainly won't go unnoticed!”

Emily Johnston, manager at Netherha, said: “Residents are already excited about the bike. It's a fantastic way to help them stay active and we're looking forward to sharing it with our neighbours at Parklands & Burnbank.”

Denise added: “Jocky loved it when we used to bring in bikes for residents, so it feels very fitting that this tricycle will carry his name. Thanks to Nicola and everyone who supported the pop-up shop, residents here and at Netherha will be enjoying the bike for many years to come. It's a wonderful tribute and a very poignant way to honour Jocky.”

The tricycle is equipped with electric assistance, hydraulic brakes, lighting, a seat belt and adjustable seats, helping residents travel in comfort and safety.