Ron Taylor recognised for ‘strategic contribution’ to social care

The managing director of Parklands Care Homes has received a top award at this year’s Scottish Care awards.

Ron Taylor won the Strategic Contribution Award in recognition of his contribution to social care over 30 years. Under his leadership, Parklands has grown from a single care home in Buckie in 1993 to a group of 11 care homes employing over 750 people and providing care for 400 older people across Moray and the Highlands.

Mr Taylor has been a vocal critic of the Scottish Government over its failure to adequately fund social care in Scotland. He delivered a £12ph rate for frontline carers at Parklands in April this year, a full year before it is due to be introduced by the Scottish Government.

Accepting the award at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel in front of over 550 representatives from the social care sector in Scotland, Mr Taylor paid tribute to Parklands’ staff and to social care workers across the country.

He said: “Day in, day out they provide the high-quality care that our older residents deserve, often in difficult and stressful circumstances. They don’t always get the recognition they deserve and I want to dedicate this award to each and every one of them. We are very lucky to have so many dedicated, hardworking men and women working in social care.”

Donald Macaskill, chief executive of Scottish Care, said: “The care home workforce is full of individuals who behave with dignity, compassion, professionalism, and skill. Scottish Care host the awards to express our gratitude and to recognise the particular skills of a few.

“We are immensely proud to present Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Care Homes, with our Strategic Contribution Award. Ron's 30-year dedication to social care and Parklands' growth into 11 facilities is commendable. His advocacy for fair wages and Parklands' innovative initiatives reflects his commitment. A truly well-deserved win in our eyes.”

Meanwhile Ron Taylor has also been shortlisted for the Outstanding Achievement Award at this year’s Caring UK Awards. Speyside Care Home in Aberlour – part of the Parklands group – has also been nominated for the Activities Team of the Year award.

Manager Louise Gillies said: “I’m delighted for the team at Speyside, in particular our activities coordinators Amanda Shaw and Moya Boonzaaier, who work so hard to ensure our residents enjoy life to the full through a busy programme of meaningful activities and community engagement.”

Speyside Care Home's innovative initiatives in the past year include a pop-up café at Aberlour Tearoom where residents and staff took over the community owned cafe once a week, selling teas, coffees and fresh bakes. The home’s Heartstrings Choir, has become a local hit, touring neighbouring care homes, and attracting new members from nearby Glenisla care home. During the school holidays, Speyside also introduced a playscheme for local children, featuring arts, crafts and musical activities.