SPYNIE Care Home in Elgin, part of the Intobeige group, is celebrating the career and achievements of much-loved manager Maggie Scott, who is retiring after decades of dedicated service in health and social care.
Born on June 30, 1959 she qualified as a registered mental health nurse in 1983 at Cherry Knowle Hospital in Sunderland. Early in her career, Maggie recognised that her passion lay within social care, beginning a journey that would see her leave a lasting impact across multiple organisations and services over nearly four decades.
In 1996, Maggie joined Advantage Healthcare in North Shields before progressing quickly into a number of senior management roles with Four Seasons. She later became part of the Solehawk, Popular Care and Intobeige family, commissioning Kenton Manor Care Home in Newcastle, before going on to hold several senior posts, including quality assurance manager for Solehawk and commissioning Ashton Court in July 2017.
After relocating to Scotland in 2018, Maggie took up a role at Meadowlark Care Home in Forres, before being persuaded to return to the Intobeige family in December 2021 as home manager at Spynie Care Home.
At the time, Spynie was facing significant challenges in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, including a closed wing, reduced morale and a lack of investment. Undeterred, Maggie approached the role with her trademark determination and resilience.
She successfully reintegrated the closed wing back into the home, quickly filled vacancies, and worked closely with directors to secure substantial investment that helped transform the service.
Despite ongoing pressures, including recruitment challenges in the local area and a series of unexpected operational crises, Maggie ensured the home was never understaffed and consistently delivered solutions with professionalism and calm leadership. Under her stewardship, Spynie Care Home was transformed into a bright, positive and welcoming environment for residents, families and staff alike.
Throughout this period, Maggie also faced the deeply personal challenge of supporting her deputy, Shona, during her terminal illness, a situation that profoundly affected her, yet never detracted from her focus on the wellbeing of residents or the stability of the home.
Operations manager Steve Massey said: “Maggie leaves Spynie in the best place it has been for many years. I will never forget the ‘only at Spynie’ phone calls – boilers breaking down, heating failures at Christmas, even a delivery lorry nearly crashing into the building. No matter what, Maggie was always calm, professional and knew exactly what needed to be done.
“She rebuilt the home from its lowest ebb to a place full of warmth, pride and positivity. I am incredibly proud to have worked with her and have nothing but admiration for the way she has led Spynie through some very difficult times.”
Reflecting on her retirement, Maggie added: “Spynie Care Home has meant so much to me. When I returned in 2021, I knew the home needed time, care and belief and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. The residents, families and staff have been the heart of everything we’ve done, and I will always be grateful for their trust and support.
“While there is always more that could be done, I know the time is right for someone else to take Spynie forward. I leave knowing the home is strong, stable and full of wonderful people.”