Like to talk about the beautiful game?

A PERTHSHIRE poet is teaming up with a local politician to support a project that uses football to stimulate the memories of people with dementia.

Perthshire North MSP John Swinney is hosting a poetry reading night on behalf of Football Memories Scotland in the Scottish Parliament.

Wednesday’s event will feature readings from Mind The Time, an anthology of football poetry edited by Jim Mackintosh, St Johnstone FC’s poet-in-residence.

Mr Swinney said: “I was honoured to be asked to host.

“Jim is a diehard St Johnstone fan and makes an important contribution to the cultural fabric of Perthshire.”

Jim’s anthology contains football-related poems by about 40 contemporary poets from across Scotland. Its aim was to raise awareness and to raise funds for the continued success of the project.

Football Memories is part of Alzheimer Scotland’s pioneering reminiscence work. Volunteers spend time with people with dementia who have an interest in the game, talking about matches from the past. It is a partnership between Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Football Museum, and is supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery and Bupa Care Homes.

Volunteers who like to talk about football are now being sought to join their local groups. Training will be given.

More details can be found on footballmemories.org.uk.