The Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Claire Russell has joined the Parklands Group to officially open its new £2m care facility in Buckie on Friday February 6.

Burnbank House has been developed within the grounds of the group's existing care home on the High Street by Elgin-based contractor Robertson.

The new purpose-built facility features four assisted living suites and accommodation for 12 nursing home residents and eight dementia patients.

The spacious and comfortable suites are built to the highest design standards and include a living room, bedroom and bathroom.

Managing Director Ron Taylor, who founded the business in 1993, believes the serviced suites will bring a new residential care experience to the Moray and Banffshire area.

He said: "The new building will allow us to offer an innovative approach to care provision in a variety of settings.


"The suites will enable our residents to enjoy their privacy and independence in a homely atmosphere whilst receiving superior residential nursing care and support.

"Residents can also enjoy flexible mealtimes in a restaurant-style dining room and a range of services from laundry, hairdressing, housekeeping and care all tailored to meet individual needs."

Parklands Group operates a further six care homes throughout the Moray and Highlands regions, providing nursing, personal and palliative care.

The award winning operator also delivers specialist care for people with physical or mental disabilities as well as a day service for non-residents.

"The new facility has surpassed all of my expectations," Mr Taylor added.

"Robertson has been an outstanding project partner and I have continued to be impressed by the level of professionalism demonstrated by the business throughout the duration of the project."

Robertson began work on the building in June 2008. The project took over 34 weeks to complete and included the erection of a structural timber frame supplied by Robertson Timberkit and the full fit-out of the building.

Robertson Northern managing director Frank Reid said: "Throughout the design and development phases we have worked closely with our client to create a modern and flexible facility which will allow it to deliver a range of forward-thinking care solutions for the local and outlying communities."

Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, Mrs Clare Russell, added that he was "delighted" to be part of the opening of this "wonderful" new facility for the community of Banffshire.

(GK/JM)