EILEAN Dubh care home in Fortrose welcomed Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey MP during a visit to the Highlands to discuss the future of social care.
He was joined by Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP and Inverness, Skye and West Ross-Shire MP Angus MacDonald, who had earlier published a report calling for urgent action to tackle the growing crisis in social care.
The report highlights major challenges in the Highlands, including an ageing population, workforce shortages, and a lack of care home capacity in rural areas.
Manager Alexis Le Neven said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Sir Ed Davey and his colleagues to Eilean Dubh.
“Our residents and staff really enjoyed the chance to speak with him, and it gave us a valuable opportunity to highlight the vital role care homes play in small Highland communities like Fortrose.”
Sir Ed and his colleagues arrived during a busy fundraising morning at the home in support of Eilean Dubh’s charity partner, Highland Hospice. Residents, staff and members of the local community came together to raise £600 for the charity.
Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Care Homes, added: “The launch of Angus MacDonald’s report comes at a pivotal moment for the social care sector, which continues to face a relentless series of challenges — not least this month’s crippling rise in employer National Insurance contributions.
“We welcomed the opportunity to voice our concerns and highlight the pressures facing the sector. It’s vital that we continue to work together to address these issues and improve care for people in our communities.”