There can’t be many people who can say they have been to tea with a dragon. But the older people invited to a recent Re-engage tea party in Carnoustie can now confidently make that claim. 

Smaug – the bearded dragon, named after the magnificent gold-loving creature in Lord of the Rings - is the pet of Khalid, 19, and made a guest appearance at the social gathering hosted by mum, Dorothy. 

Smaug is fortunately not the same size as his namesake and after a hesitant start the guests warmed to his presence and some were even bold enough to give him a cuddle. 

Dorothy, who is a volunteer tea party host, said: “The older guests like speaking to younger people, so I try to get my family involved in the tea parties as much as possible.  

“Our three sons all came back from Glasgow University to help out and Khalid, who loves to cook, baked some impressive cakes. They all helped with the sandwiches and kept teacups filled. It probably wouldn’t be as much fun if they weren’t there.” 

Dorothy, who usually caters for between five and eight guests plus drivers, also volunteers for Cycling Without Age, a non-profit enterprise where those with mobility problems can get free rides in a trishaw. Dorothy, 58, is a ‘pilot’ who does all the hard work of cycling. 

“It’s absolutely great,” she said. “You get to take nice people out into a lovely environment for a relaxing time.” 

When it comes to Re-engage tea parties, Dorothy likes to bake scones, among other delicacies, and provide bite-sized sandwiches with fillings such as goat’s cheese. 

“The older guests don’t like anything from a packet. Home baked is always a favourite. The teas are always enjoyable with a nice kind of busyness going on. And the drivers add a dynamic to the occasions. 

“It’s good that the guests get to go to different hosts as it provides variety and as I only host once or twice a year it’s not a huge commitment.” 

Of course, the bonus is that Dorothy’s three sons, who are studying accountancy, economics and software engineering, are able to take any leftovers back to university. 

“Nothing goes to waste,” said Dorothy.