In this special live edition of Carecast, Ron Taylor, Managing Director of Parklands, shares his remarkable journey from caring for his World War I veteran grandfather to leading a network of care homes across the north of Scotland.

With over 750 dedicated staff members, Ron's commitment to providing exceptional care has made Parklands one of the region's largest employers. Drawing from his personal experiences, Ron emphasises the importance of ensuring peace of mind for families, with a focus on safety and quality care.

His passion is evident as he reflects on his life and work, and the people who have inspired and supported him along the way.

Thank you to Moray Chamber of Commerce and Highland News & Media for their support in bringing this inspiring conversation to life.

Welcome to a special festive edition of our Carecast podcast. Settle in as we reunite with familiar faces from the main series and introduce a chorus (quite literally) of new voices. We talk to residents about their treasured memories of Christmas past, meet staff gearing up for the busy festive period and find out what it's like for our international staff to celebrate Christmas here in Scotland, far from friends and loved ones.

In the series finale, producer Pennie Latin Stuart catches up with Parklands’ MD Ron Taylor to reflect on the year. It was a year with low points such as the decision to closure Parklands’ smallest care home in Ullapool amid spiralling costs – “the hardest decision I’ve made in 30 years in care.” But 2023 also saw Parklands save two under threat care homes in its Moray heartland, safeguarding 80 jobs and ensuring continuity of care for 70 residents. And as hundreds of residents, staff (past and present) and friends gathered in Buckie to celebrate Parklands’ 30th anniversary, Ron Taylor reflects on what his grandfather – the inspiration behind Parklands – would have made of it all. “I think he’d be proud,” he says modestly. He’d arguably be prouder still of Parklands’ ambitions for the future as it continues to expand its presence in the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire.