Rhona Brankin’ is the Minister responsible for communities. Two of her priorities are the ageing population and voluntary sector issues. ‘Moose in the Hoose’ successfully encompasses both of these important issues so it was especially pleasing to be involved with the Minister’s visit to Balmwell on Tuesday and to be part of the whole team which is responsible for bringing the advantages of the computer to some of the residents.

For this visit Ms Brankin was particularly keen to observe the webcam in action. With total co-operation and enthusiasm from everyone Betty undertook her weekly chat with her daughter and son in law who live in Toronto. For this particular communication Betty’s Edinburgh based daughter joined her and the usual webcam family fun began. Betty had celebrated her 92nd birthday two days before and was in fine form describing to those in Toronto all that had been happening to her. Ms Brankin introduced herself and appeared to thoroughly enjoy the interaction informing us all that her daughter who lives in Germany is due to have a baby soon and this method of communicating would be wonderful for her family including her elderly mother who will become a great grandmother! A fun time was had by all and to round off a genuinely knowledgeable visit Ms Brankin presented Betty with a birthday card and offered to show her around the parliament.

It was impressive to hear Ms Brankin speak with great feeling and sincerity about the need for adequate funding for projects throughout Scotland which will permit the ever increasing population of older people to gain as much pleasure and stimulation as our Moosers do in Edinburgh whether it is using the webcam, communicating by email, enjoying digital photos or researching areas of the individual interests using the internet.

News Update: Bill Jamieson, Executive Editor of the Scotsman hosted an online interview on the Scottish Executive's website with Rhona Brankin on Thursday, February 22. There are various versions of the interview available - click below for your preferred option