Chamber News
Parklands throws party for longest serving employees
5 December 2023 • Sarah Medcraf
Parklands Care Homes has paid tribute to its longest serving employees as the company celebrates its 30thanniversary.
Over 100 care staff from Tain, Aberlour, Keith and Buckie were invited to a celebratory dinner in Elgin’s Mansefield Hotel to mark the occasion.
The celebrations began with a specially recorded performance of ‘Lean on Me’ by the Heartstrings Choir, which includes residents from Speyside in Aberlour and Glenisla in Keith.
There were also video messages of support from Highland Councillor Alasdair Rhind, entertainer Isla St Clair, Sir Jim Walker CBE and Clare Russell, former Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire.
Long serving manager Shona Conlin delivered a Doric ‘Ode Tae Parklands’ charting the history of the company over 30 years, before presenting Managing Director Ron Taylor with a silver quaich as a thank you from the Parklands team.
A new video celebrating the group’s 30th anniversary and looking forward to its next phase was also unveiled.
The evening was hosted by Alex Fleming, well known on the after-dinner circuit.
Mr Taylor paid tribute to the company’s long serving employees. He said: “You are the heartbeat of this organisation, the pillars of support for those who depend on us. Each and every one of you has contributed to the warmth and kindness that defines Parklands.
“It’s not just a workplace – it’s a home filled with love and care. You are the unsung heroes who turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, day in, day out.
“In those early days, there were no manuals to guide us, no roadmap to success. What made all the difference was the remarkable people who stood by us, and who have made Parklands the success it is.”
Parklands now operates 11 care homes in Moray and the Highlands and employs over 750 people caring for 400 residents. The group plans to open new care facilities in Inverness – including a 58-bed care home, later living village and affordable accommodation for care workers – as well as Elgin, Alford and Turriff.
Last month, Ron Taylor received Scottish Care’s Strategic Contribution to Care Award. Parklands is also a finalist in two categories in the Caring UK Awards, held in Leicester this month.
