''I work in the kitchens, just doing things like washing the dishes, setting up the tables for the day and after lunch I will collect the plates and wash up,'' he said.

''When I come in to help with day care, I would start around half past 10 and finish about half past two – so I do about four hours.''

However, Ian's original expertise is not in catering. The 78-year-old from Cumbernauld is, in fact, a retired engineer, but is now one of around 325 volunteers, who give up their own time to work at Strathcarron Hospice.

Volunteers are a vital part of Strathcarron and are recruited from all walks of life and age groups, whether it be prospective medical students doing a bit of work-experience or people that have retired.

Their aim is to support the work of the professional team in the hospice and to extend the practical and supportive help which can be offered to patients, relatives and carers. Once they have had an informal interview, trainees undergo a period of training and are gradually introduced to their jobs.

Today I am observing a typical day's work for some of these volunteers at the hospice. With a long list of diverse roles – including receptionists, hairdressers, complementary therapists, craft workers and drivers – it's a difficult task!

To some the image of a hospice is of somewhere quite depressing, but what strikes you immediately is the bubbly atmosphere and relaxed environment.

And this is no more evident than in the lounge, where the conversation is flowing between the volunteers and day care guests over a cup of tea.

Bob, a former maintenance superintendent for BP, is in the midst of getting this afternoon's lunch menu organised.

''After taking early retirement, I wasn't doing anything, so I
decided to volunteer," he said

''I come in to do all the day care and also drive patients. I usually arrive about 10.15 a.m., before getting the guests a coffee and a biscuit, and then we just sit and have a chat.

''After lunch, I might take them out for a walk around the grounds.''

So what makes working at the hospice so worthwhile?

''It's the people that make it,'' explains Bob. ''There is just such a friendly atmosphere about the place.''

At the front of the building, the first people that guests and visitors encounter are the receptionist staff. Again, there are volunteers in attendance.

Agnes, from Sauchie, has been a volunteer worker for seven years.

The 66-year-old goes along one day a week to work at the desk.

"When people first come in I make sure they get to the right room,'' she said.

''Sometimes, if they are distressed, I will make them a cup of tea or coffee and sit and talk to them.

''We have someone who answers the phone but, if they are busy, we will do that as well.

"It's nice as we are meeting lots of different people, talking
to them and hearing their stories.''

Through in the ward, there is also a volunteer presence. Rosemary, from Kilsyth, has been there for just over three years, after previously working in education.

She describes her role as a combination of practical help and research to give the professional staff more time look after the patients.

After working in schools, how does life as a volunteer compare?

"I get lots of satisfaction from working here, the staff are wonderful and its interesting just talking to patients and hearing their stories about their lives," she said.

Down a corridor and bathed in light is the popular crafts room.

Maud (67), from Comrie, is a volunteer craft worker and is preparing for the arrival of guests.

''I usually come in on a Friday", she explains. "I drive patients in the morning and then come through to the craft room.

"There aren't so many patients here in the morning, but, if they come through, we will work with them on anything they want. It can be anything from making cushions and curtains, to paintings, to just sitting with them and having a chat.''

So what led the former civil servant down the volunteering path?

''I had an operation on my leg and stopped working,'' she explained. ''I knew the hospice was looking for volunteers so I went along and had an interview.

''It puts your life into perspective, as there is always someone here who is worse off than you. The whole place just has a sense of togetherness.''