TWO residents at Glencairn Care Home in Edinburgh have successfully gained a National 2 qualification in Italian.
Tom Caskie and Professor Gavin McCrone achieved the feat following a 12-week intensive course with language specialists Lingo Flamingo.
Gavin, 92, is not only an avid world traveller but also a retired Professor of Economics. Tom, 84, shares Gavin’s passion for exploring the globe, having travelled extensively throughout his life.
Tom said: “I’ve always been fascinated by cultures and languages during my travels. Learning Italian felt like a natural extension of that curiosity, especially after my extensive travels around Italy – I have fond memories of flying into Milan, travelling by car down to Brindisi and sailing across into Greece.”
Gavin added: “It was a wonderful challenge, and knowing I was learning alongside Tom made it even more enjoyable. We had a fantastic group around us that made learning that extra bit special.”
Adding Italian to his impressive repertoire, Tom has maintained a lifelong passion for languages, continually challenging himself to keep up with his past studies in Russian, German, French, and Spanish.
This dedication even extends to engaging in conversations with Glencairn’s bilingual staff members, keeping him in touch with active language use and the diverse cultures he has always enjoyed.
“It’s a remarkable milestone,” added home manager Jozi Stables. “For two gentlemen who have spent their lives traversing the globe, this learning journey has been a profound way for them to reconnect with their past passions, while simultaneously offering incredible benefits for their mental stimulation and overall wellbeing. Their dedication is truly inspiring to us all.”