To Absent Friends Festival

People who have died remain a part of our lives – their stories are our stories, yet many Scottish traditions relating to the expression of loss and remembrance have faded over time.

The annual To Absent Friends festival will take place across Scotland from 1-7 November 2019 and gives people the opportunity to remember, tell stories, celebrate and reminisce about loved ones who have died. 

As part of the festival the Margaret Kerr Unit are hosting the following events:

Pebble Painting and Memory Tiles
7th of November, 2pm – 4pm
Main reception Margaret Kerr Unit
Pebble painting and memory tile making with tea, coffee and home baking. 

"Aye Wi' Us" Concert, Haining House, Selkirk
Friday 8th November 2019 7.30 to 10.30pm
Tickets £2.50. Including light supper and a toast sponsored by Selkirk Gin.
Come and join our local musicians for a night of live music and entertainment to remember and celebrate those who have died but who are "aye wi' us".
Tickets are available from Laura MacDougall at the Margaret Kerr Unit by calling 01896 827914 or email Laura.macdougall@borders.scot.nhs.uk

Geraldine Finnan, Quality Improvement Facilitator at NHS Borders, said: "Having open and honest conversations about death and dying can be difficult for some people. This event gives the opportunity to remember those who have died but are "aye wi' us". At our events we want to create a safe and relaxed space for folks to start the flow of conversation around aging, dying, bereavement, funerals, memorials and anything else that comes to mind."