Gordon Nichol couldn’t believe his luck when he saw a message promoting an activity group for the over-75s.

“I leapt at the chance to sign-up,” he said. “You really don’t see that kind of thing being advertised so I wanted to get in quick before all the places went.”

And after joining Re-engage’s pickleball sessions in Edinburgh, Gordon, 76, is delighted he became involved and is hugely enthusiastic about the  activity group which meets monthly at the Meadowbank Sports Centre.

“I had to get two buses to the centre so it was a bit of an effort but believe me it was well worth it,” said Gordon. “I was made to feel very welcome and it was the best afternoon I’ve had in a long time.

“Every one of the staff and volunteers gave full attention to us older folks and it was such a great feeling to know that these people really cared about us and gave such heartfelt time and effort for our wellbeing. I was humbled by this. People thrive on being acknowledged and validated and when you’re older there’s a dearth of that.

“I’ve been to other groups and it can be quite disheartening because those taking part usually get into their little cliques and it’s hard to break in. But with the Pickleball group it was so different. It was amazing how welcoming everyone was. I was made to feel at ease from the very start and everyone was friendly.”

Gordon ran a recording studio in Dallas, Texas, for 30 years before returning to the UK in 2009. He is married but separated and regularly sees his daughter. He explained: “I was in America for a long time so when I returned most of my old friends had moved on. Fortunately, I’m active and can still get around, but sometimes I can feel lonely. Many people tend to look forward to retirement but once it comes you lose a structure to your life, so you have to find things to keep you busy.”

During his time in Dallas, Gordon recorded voiceovers and worked with rock band Kiss and legendary country music singer Kris Kristofferson, who, he said was “a really nice guy”.

“I’d love it if the pickleball group could meet more often,” said Gordon. “It really is first class.”