Black Isle MP Jamie Stone visited Scotland’s Regional Care Home of the Year to congratulate staff ahead of a milestone anniversary.
Mr Stone, who represents Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, dropped into Eilean Dubh care home in Fortrose, which is preparing to mark five years since opening.
The MP toured the 40-bed home, meeting staff and catching up with residents, including some old friends from the local community, as they enjoyed a game of cards.
Eilean Dubh opened in April 2021 following a £5.5 million investment by Parklands Care Homes. Since then, it has become an important part of the local community, hosting regular coffee mornings, fundraising events and live music. The home has built strong links with Fortrose Academy, local primary schools and nurseries, and has even hosted its own popular playgroup.
Residents also enjoy a varied and active lifestyle. Eilean Dubh’s gardening club has won multiple prizes at local horticultural shows, the home has hosted fashion and talent shows and took part in the Highland Hospice HeArt Trail, designing a unique sculpture that represents life at the home.
Last December, the home was named Scotland’s Regional Care Home of the Year at the Caring UK Awards, with judges recognising its strong community connections and focus on resident wellbeing. It is rated “very good” across all areas by the Care Inspectorate, reflecting consistently high standards of care, leadership and environment.
Susie Mackenzie, Finance Director at Parklands Care Homes, said, “It was a pleasure to welcome Jamie Stone MP to Eilean Dubh at such a positive time for the home, as we celebrate both our recent award win and our fifth anniversary. The team has worked incredibly hard to create a warm, welcoming environment where residents feel part of the community, and it’s encouraging to see that recognised.”
Jamie Stone MP said, “It was hugely encouraging to visit Eilean Dubh care home because it demonstrated just how good a state-of-the-art care home can be. I was greatly impressed by the dedication of the staff and the fact that the residents were happy leading active, engaged lives.”
Work is due to begin shortly on a four-bed extension at Eilean Dubh, part of a £5 million investment programme that will deliver 34 additional beds across Parklands homes in Tain, Fortrose, Grantown, Keith and Huntly.
Details of a community event to mark the home’s first anniversary will be announced soon.
Headline Image: Jamie Stone MP, Susie Mackenzie (Parklands Finance Director ), Jacqui Ferguson (Parklands Operations Director) and Alexis Le Neven (Eilean Dubh Manager)