Homeowners stories – Mr Alan Stirling talks about coming home to retire!

Alan Stirling is 76 years old and was one of the first customers to move into the Brio Retirement Living development at Landale Court in Chapelton. He’s travelled the world and spent twenty years living in Brazil, but retirement and family connections have brought him home to Scotland where he plans to enjoy his retirement and live life to the full!

This keen athlete is embracing the next chapter of his journey, and here he talks about his loves, life and living at Landale Court 

“I’m originally from Ayrshire and worked for many years in the oil and gas industry as a process engineer – initially in Aberdeen in the 1980’s, then subsequently I spent many years working overseas. I finally settled in Brazil and lived there for twenty years.”

Following his retirement, Alan decided to return home to Scotland. Looking for somewhere attractive to live, and not too far away from his son and daughter who both live in Scotland. He was delighted to find Landale Court and everything it has to offer.

Alan explains: “I made the decision to come home to retire - I’d been out of the country for so many years and wanted to meet new people and embrace being part of a larger community. I researched what was on offer in the area and Landale Court ticked all the boxes for me – it’s located on a beautiful stretch of the Aberdeenshire coastline, is set in lovely grounds and has brilliant amenities including a fitness studio and club room - and there’s the Slate & Grain brasserie which serves delicious food and is a really sociable area.”

Alan decided to move into a two-bedroom apartment at Landale Court which features a well-designed quality kitchen and bathroom, plus a layout that promotes space and natural light.

Alan continued: “I really am very happy and settled here at Landale Court. My apartment is very comfortable, as is the rest of the building, and the views here are wonderful. The team is really friendly and helpful, whilst not being intrusive, so it’s perfect for me and it really feels like home already.

“It's a safe and friendly place with lots going on too - with the farmers market nearby, and the fish and chip van comes on a Saturday night which is very popular! There are boutique huts across the road which have an interesting range of things to buy and it’s also handy for the bus which stops right outside Landale Court, plus there is a Tesco which is only a ten-minute walk away. Both the grounds and local area are very attractive and there are some great walks to try nearby – which is a favourite pastime of mine.”

In addition to being a keen walker, Alan has a life-long passion for athletics and has competed successfully as a veteran both nationally and internationally in the 400m and rowing. He explains further: “I’ve always been active and I’m a keen athlete, so I’m loving having access to the gym at Landale Court and embracing such a beautiful location to run outdoors. The team here has also helped me to connect with the local running group and I’m thoroughly enjoying running with them every Wednesday night. The group has been so welcoming and the wider community in Chapleton is great.”

In addition to his fitness regime, Alan has been enjoying the social side of living at Landale Court too. “I enjoy being able to pop downstairs to the Slate & Grain brasserie to enjoy a coffee and a cake on the terrace”, he adds. “And I particularly enjoy the delicious food the restaurant serves up on its themed nights – they are great fun!”

Not only has Alan made new friends at Landale Court and embraced the wider community, but he’s also been playing the saxophone, enjoying watching the nature in the area and been taking time out to read a few of his favourite books.

Alan concludes: “Life is great here and I’m very happy I moved to Landale Court. As autumn and winter approach, I’m looking forward to joining in the seasonal timetable of activities planned and will embrace the chilly nights with my winter project of cataloguing my large collection of photographs I’ve gathered over the years. I’m really pleased I chose to move here and am enjoying a fulfilling retirement."