Parklands founder thanks Moray for support over three decades

The founder of Parklands Care Homes has paid tribute to the Moray community for its support over the past 30 years.

Managing director Ron Taylor kicked off the 30^th anniversary celebrations at a community event in the grounds of Parklands care home, the company’s first care home.

Hundreds attended the free event which was billed as an opportunity to thank staff, past and present, residents, their families and local businesses and individuals who have supported the care group over the years.

Ron Taylor founded Parklands in 1993, having been a carer for his grandfather, an experience he said that had been life-changing.

He said: “Three decades ago, I embarked on a journey inspired by the love and care I provided to my own grandfather. Being his primary carer was a life-changing experience that touched me profoundly.

“It was during those precious moments that the seeds of Parklands Care Homes were sown – a vision of a care group that would deliver the highest standard of person-centred care to others, just as I had given to my grandfather.

“When I set out on this path, I never imagined that we would reach the scale we have – nine care homes, two more under our management, 700 employees, 400 older folk in our care.

“For me, this isn't just about business success; it's personal. I grew up in Buckie, and to see Parklands grow and flourish in Moray means the world to me. Moray has been our anchor, our inspiration, and the driving force behind our success.”

Mr Taylor paid tribute to staff across the Parklands group. He said: “I am humbled by the dedication of our staff and the love they pour into their work. Their compassion, empathy, and selfless dedication have made Parklands what it is today.”

He also thanked the local community for its support, particularly during the pandemic, and said it was a privilege to care for older people: “Their smiles, their stories, and the joy they bring into our lives are what drive us to do better each day,” he said.

He added: “For the past 30 years, we have strived to make every life we touch that little bit brighter. That has always been our guiding inspiration. I feel so humbled by what we have achieved, together.

To mark the anniversary occasion, Mr Taylor buried a time capsule in the grounds of Parklands care home, alongside his mother Ishbel Taylor, wife Elaine, and Denise Risk, the care home manager.

The capsule included a signed lyric sheet from Speyside care home’s Heart Strings Choir, a poem from the team at Glenisla in Keith, a picture of the residents and staff at Parklands & Burnbank, a Buckie Thistle scarf and copies of the Press & Journal, Northern Scot and Banffshire Advertiser.