Sunshine, stories and song: A joyful gathering in Pitlochry

This marks the third year Pitlochry has played host to the Annual Gathering and, so far, the sun has never failed to shine.

Erica Reid, our Chair, alongside volunteer visitors and QNIS staff, welcomed everyone with open arms. Many attendees made the most of the occasion by extending their stay into a short holiday, enjoying Pitlochry and its surrounding area. The stunning Atholl Palace Hotel provided the perfect backdrop, with clear blue skies and mountain views adding to the occasion.

From the moment everyone arrived, the room was filled with animated conversation, laughter, and the unmistakable warmth of old friendships. With an average age of 86, this remarkable group showed that energy and joy certainly don’t fade with the years; friends caught up, shared memories, and made new ones.

The celebrations continued into the evening with an informal ceilidh, now a much-loved part of the gathering. There was also Scots poetry, and singing, and even a lively Scotland-themed quiz.

As one attendee so perfectly put it, “it is a privilege to grow old".

This group of inspiring women — true pioneers of community nursing — embody that sentiment, showing us all what it means to age with grace, humour, and vitality.

Events like this are a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds within the Queen’s Nurse community — and of the joy that comes from staying connected. Here’s to many more gatherings filled with friendship, music, and shared memories.