Meallmore Recognised at Scottish Care Awards

At Meallmore, care is more than what we do - it's who we are. Every day across our group of care homes, colleagues go above and beyond to make life meaningful for the people they support. This month, that commitment has been recognised on a national stage, with three Meallmore teams announced as finalists at the 2025 Scottish Care Home Awards.

Hosted by Michelle McManus and Dr Donald Macaskill at Glasgow's Hilton Hotel on Friday 14 November 2025,the awards are among the most respected in Scotland's care sector. They celebrate those who bring compassion, creativity and excellence to life -values that sit at the very heart of Meallmore.

A Collective Celebration of Excellence

The announcement sees Meallmore homes and teams shortlisted across three key categories:

1. ‍Airthrey Care Home – Meaningful Activity Award‍
2. St Modans Care Home – Care Innovation Award‍
3. Meallmore Academy of Care Kitchen Excellence – Learning, Training & Staff Development Award

While each finalist has its own story, together they represent a shared philosophy - that great care happens when people are encouraged to think differently, act with heart and continually raise the bar.

Creating Meaningful Moments – Airthrey Care Home

At Airthrey, every day is built around connection. Led by Home Manager Michelle Ruiz Beltran, the team has redefined what "activities" mean in care - moving away from scheduled sessions to experiences that restore purpose and joy.

Residents help plan events, lead groups and even take part in community outreach, ensuring the home remains full of laughter, music and meaning. From art therapy to sensory gardening, every interaction is rooted in choice and individuality.

"To be named a finalist for the Meaningful Activity Award is deeply meaningful for us," says Michelle Ruiz Beltran. "Our activity programme isn't about passing time - it's about offering purpose, dignity and joy. Our residents deserve lives filled with the same passion they've always had."

Innovating with Compassion – St Modans Care Home

Further north in Fraserburgh, Pamela Geddes and her team at St Modans have been recognised for their Sensory Room Project, a pioneering initiative that's quietly changing lives. Designed to support people living with dementia and brain injury, the room offers a calm, multi-sensory environment that helps reduce stress and distress, improve focus, and nurture connection.

The results have been remarkable - fall reduced by 38 per cent, adult support referrals down by 44 per cent, and a notable reduction in anti-psychotic medication. Families describe the space as "a magical room where we can reconnect again."

"The sensory room has become a place of safety and connection," says Pamela Geddes. "It's more than innovation - it's empathy turned into action. I'm proud of how our team has embraced new thinking to create something that truly transforms daily life."

Growing Skills, Pride and Careers – The Academy of Care Kitchen Excellence

Care doesn't stop at the dining room door - it's there in every plate served and every colleague trained to make mealtimes memorable. The Meallmore Academy of Care Kitchen Excellence has been shortlisted for its work championing professional growth and culinary innovation across Meallmore's hospitality teams.

Led by Group Catering & Hospitality Manager Jody Marshall, the Academy provides structured training, mentoring and recognised qualifications for chefs and kitchen assistants. It's creating clear career pathways and raising standards in nutrition and dining across all homes.

At its heart are stories like Head Chef Anna Koziarska's, whose own progression through Meallmore shows what can happen when talent is nurtured. Her leadership now inspires the next generation of care chefs across Scotland.

"To see the Academy recognised at this level is incredible," says Jody Marshall. "It proves that hospitality in care is a profession built on skill, creativity and pride. When our teams grow, so does the quality of life for our residents."

A Message from Our CEO

For Cillian Hennessey, Meallmore's CEO, the nominations are a reflection of teamwork and trust across the entire organisation.

"We're immensely proud that three of our homes and teams have been recognised nationally. These nominations celebrate creativity, compassion and continuous improvement - the values that drive us every day. We'll also honour them at our own Meallmore Colleague Awards later this month, where internal recognition meets external achievement. To every colleague involved - thank you for setting new standards and showing Scotland what outstanding care looks like."

Recognition That Reflects Real Impact

While awards recognise success, their true value lies in the lives changed along the way. For Airthrey, it's residents who feel seen and heard. For St Modans, it's families rediscovering calm connections with loved ones. And for the Academy, it's colleagues discovering confidence, purpose and careers in care.

Together, they represent Meallmore's unwavering belief that care is both an art and a science - built on heart, skill and innovation in equal measure.

As the Scottish Care Awards approach in November, pride is already being felt across our homes. And whatever the outcome on the night, the achievement is already clear: when teams work together with compassion and creativity, everyone wins - especially the people we care for.