Cumbernauld man’s role in film on hospice life

A dad from Kildrum is featured in a touching new documentary about Strathcarron Hospice.

Iain Milne (56), has MS and spends every Friday at the hospice in Denny.

He is one of the main people featured in Seven Songs, a funny, moving film created by Amy Hardie, who worked as filmmaker in residence at Strathcarron. Seven Songs was filmed over the course of three years.

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The title reflects an aspect of life at the hospice that would perhaps surprise many people – it is filled with music.

Opening with patient Tosh singing Sinatra, the film contans many scenes of patients and staff enjoying or making music together, conveying powerful feelings of warmth and community.

“That is what it is like,” said Iain, who is looking forward to the red carpet treatment at the film’s world premiere at the Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling tomorrow (Friday).

“There is a very strong feeling of community in Strathcarron, everyone looks out for everyone else.

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“I have chronic pain and the people at Strathcarron have been wonderful helping me manage it, they couldn’t do enough for you.

“And we all love music,” added the keen DJ and former speedway rider, whose family also feature in the film.

Naturally, a number of the patients featured in the film have now passed away.

“I think one reason a lot of the people in the film wanted to be part of it was so their familes could have another way to remember them.”

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The film is being shown at various cinemas in connection with Hospice Care Week. In addition to the showing at Macrobert tonight there are also screenings in Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and Bo’ness as part of Hospice Care Week. For full details see http://www.sevensongsfilm.com/