It’s just one of the many elements of the new home that aims to give the older people that it cares for the best quality of life. The home also promotes a sense of community and includes a social hub with a hair salon, seating areas and a cafe bar.

Eilean Dubh is one of nine care homes that Parklands, an award-winning independent Scottish care provider, runs across Moray and the Highlands. Parklands has incorporated family values into its approach since its formation in 1993 and its vision is ‘our family caring for yours’. Many of its homes have strong links with local communities, including nurseries, schools, churches and community groups, as well as providing jobs for local residents.

The business also considers the importance of the environment in its work and many of its older properties are currently being updated to improve their sustainability. Measures include high levels of thermal insulation to maximise heat retention, installing energy efficient electricals, LED lighting and water saving devices. Parklands is also looking to transition to electric vehicles and introduce further energy and carbon reporting.

Continuing success in Inverness

With lending from Triodos Bank, Parklands is now expanding to offer its family-run care to more people.

Construction on a new 58-bed care home in Milton of Leys, Inverness, is expected to begin shortly. A pioneering later-living retirement village with properties for independent living will be built alongside the new care home, in the largest ever development by Parklands.

“Our forthcoming investment in Inverness will be our largest and most innovative, combining the traditional model of residential care with independent later living support, and will provide an important economic boost for the city, generating new jobs and supporting the local supply chain,” explains Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Care Homes. “As we approach our 30^th anniversary of caring for older people in the north, Parklands will continue to invest and innovate.”

Specialists in the care sector

As well as a new multi-million-pound care project in Inverness, Parklands has worked with Triodos Bank UK to secure £20 million of sustainable finance for its nine existing homes.

The finance brings together two organisations that have worked across the care sector for over 25 years. Triodos has been a key lender to the sector, as part of its mission to fund organisations that offer high-quality, specialist care and support a better quality of life. Parklands has been caring for older people in the north of Scotland for almost three decades.

“We are delighted to be working with Triodos, a bank with a great track record in sustainable and socially responsible investments,” Ron Taylor adds. “Our new partnership with Triodos gives us a platform for growth and means we can focus on providing additional care capacity to serve the needs of our growing older population.”

Talking about the importance of the social care sector to the bank, Rob Keegan, business banking regional manager for Scotland at Triodos Bank UK, observes: “This sector is one which has a huge impact upon many families’ lives, and we’re pleased to support organisations like Parklands that are delivering compassionate, award-winning care. All of its homes are rooted in their communities and look to make a real difference to people across the north of Scotland.”