Singing at the Scottish Parliament

11 October 2024

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On Thursday 3 October, Let’s Sing dementia inclusive singing group from Musselburgh, joined Luminate at the Scottish Parliament to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Older Persons. The event was hosted by Michelle Thomson MSP, and after lunch Let’s Sing was invited to sing three songs in the Garden Lobby before Parliament resumed in the Debating Chamber. They included I Am The Song, created earlier this year by Luminate for people living with dementia who enjoy singing in a choir or singing group, or with family, friends, or carers.
I Am the Song was written by singer/songwriter Boo Hewerdine and recorded with award-winning vocalist Hannah Rarity. Both Boo and Hannah came to listen to them sing at the Parliament.

We were also delighted to be joined by the Minister for Equalities Kaukab Stewart MSP, who chatted with singing group leader Penny Stone and some of the group over lunch, and then stayed to watch the performance.

Photos from the event

Let's Sing dementia singing group at the bottom of the stairs into the Debating Chamber at the Scottish Parliament

Penny Stone singing group leader chatting to the Minister for Equalities Kaukab Stewart MSP

Let's Sing dementia singing group at the bottom of the stairs into the Debating Chamber at the Scottish Parliament. Penny Stone in the foreground.

Michelle Thomson MSP speaking casually over lunch to guests at the Scottish Parliament event

Group photo of Let's Sing at the foot of the stairs into the Debating Chamber, in the Garden Lobby at the Scottish Parliment

Members of Let's Sing gathering before the event in the Committee Room

Members of Let's Sing having lunch in the Committee Room

Minister for Equalities Kaukab Stewart MSP meeting with members of Let's Sing over lunch.

Singing Group leader Penny Stone chatting with two members of the Singing Group

Minister for Equalities Kaukab Stewart MSP in discussion with Michelle Thomson MSP in the Committee Room before lunch. Both are seated.

Members of Let's Sing in the Garden Lobby at the performance. The members are holding song sheets and they are animated.

Members of Let's Sing in the Garden Lobby, ready to sing. The members are holding song sheets and are seated.

Members of Let's Sing in the Garden Lobby, ready to sing. The members are standing.

Members of Let's Sing in the Garden Lobby, ready to sing. The members are seated.

Director of Luminate Anne Gallacher with Age Scotland's CEO Katherine Crawford.

Let's Sing singing in the Garden Lobby at the Scottish Paliament. In the background is Zain, guitarist standing and playing.

Members of Let's Sing snging. All of them are seated. In the Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament building.

Minister for Equalities Kaukab Stewart MSP clapping at the end of the performance.

Members of Let's Sing in the Garden Lobby at the Scottish Parliament building. Some are standing, some are seated.

Let's Sing singing group at the Scottish Parliament Garden Lobby. Some of the members are standing, some of them are seated and holding paper copies of the song words. — Let's Sing at the Scottish Parliament event.

Singer Songwriter Boo Hewerdine and Singer Hannah Rarity speaking to members of Let's Sing in the Garden Lobby at the Scottish Parliament. This is after the performance and the singing group are moving around and getting ready to leave.

Singer Hannah Rarity speaking with a member of Let's Sing. The member is seated and Hannah is kneeling.

Singer Songwriter Boo Hewerdine and singer Hannah Rarity clapping at the end of the performance in the Garden Lobby at the Scottish Parliament Building. Both are standing and are smiling.

Members of Let's Sing smiling at the end of the performance in the Garden Lobby at the Scottish Parliament. All the members are smiling.