Eilean Dubh care home in Fortrose has been crowned Regional Care Home of the Year Scotland at the Caring UK Awards, one of the UK care sector’s most respected national awards programmes.
The accolade celebrates excellence across the care sector and recognises the positive difference care teams make to people’s lives every day.
Operated by Parklands Care Homes, Eilean Dubh impressed judges with its creative approach to resident wellbeing and strong, visible links with the local community.
The home was recognised for a year of outstanding achievement, during which its gardening club won multiple awards at the Black Isle Show and other local horticultural events. It also opened its own picture house and took part in a major art trail for Highland Hospice by designing one of 23 heart-shaped sculptures, helping to raise more than £4,000 for the charity.
Residents have also taken centre stage in fashion shows and talent shows, celebrated diversity through a Pride event, and built strong intergenerational links through a weekly playgroup with local families and close ties with Fortrose Academy and other local schools.
The award was presented at a ceremony in Leicester and was collected on the night by Donald Morrison, Parklands’ Director of Communications.
He said, “With so many outstanding, highly rated care homes in the running this year, it was a real honour to see Eilean Dubh take the title. It says a great deal about the difference the team is making every day for residents, families and the wider community, and about the consistency of the care, compassion and commitment shown across the home.”
Eilean Dubh manager Alexis Le Neven said, “This award is a huge moment for our whole team, and I could not be prouder of them. They pour their hearts into caring for our residents every single day. The support they give to families and the way they connect with the wider Fortrose community is truly inspiring. To see that effort recognised on a national stage is absolutely fantastic and so well deserved.”
Caring UK Awards director Dominic Musgrave added, “This year’s winners should be very very proud – the high standard of entries made it a tough job to select a final shortlist never mind a winner and runner-up in each category.”
Opened in 2021, Eilean Dubh is a purpose-built care home on Ness Road in Fortrose, providing nursing and residential care for up to 40 older people. Demand for places remains high, with a substantial waiting list and plans in place to expand the home by a further four beds in 2026.
Eilean Dubh holds a grade 5 (very good) rating from the Care Inspectorate across key areas including wellbeing, leadership, staffing, environment and care planning.
Earlier this year, the home welcomed a high-profile visit from Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey MP, who met with residents and staff and paid tribute to the team’s work, describing Eilean Dubh as “a home that shows how much difference good care can make.”
This is Parklands’ fourth major award win this year, adding to the Care Home Award for Best for Wellbeing, the Highland Business Award for Corporate Community Impact and the Leaders in Care Award for Innovation in Care Homes.