Dementia care experts to hold open day for families

SCOTLAND’S most luxurious care home is set to host an open day where members of the public are invited to come and experience an exclusive tour around its premises.

Dementia care experts, Cramond Residence is urging members of the public looking at care facilities to come and view its world-class facilities between 4 – 8pm on 2 May.

Guests will be led by professionals around its facilities to learn more about the benefits of the home, its unique care packages, as well as learning more about how Cramond Residence Tailors care provision for each individual resident.

Client Liaison Manager Christian Daraio said: “It’s always great to welcome new people into our home and our open day offers an opportunity for those exploring care for a loved one to come and view our brilliant facilities and get a feel for what makes Cramond Residence unique.

“A stay at Cramond Residence is truly unique, we have a wonderful team who help to ensure that the residence delivers the best care while having a comfortable homely feeling.

“This is the perfect chance to soak in the residence’s warm and friendly atmosphere, and enjoy a cup of tea with some homemade treats, all while having access to our staff to ask as many important questions as they need.”

Cramond Residence is divided into nine individual homes, each named after an area of Edinburgh, fostering a sense of community among residents. Each home has private dining and living rooms, encouraging socialising and lasting connections.

Visitors can explore the main communal areas, including a dining room, library, private dining room, cinema, physiotherapy area, and hairdressing salon.

Cramond Residence also offers advanced facilities, such as high-tech therapy baths, to cater to the diverse needs of its residents.

The residence features beautiful gardens and a summer house, welcoming guests to wander leisurely and appreciate the scenic environment.

The home offers a unique set of activities for residents to enjoy, thanks to its Lifestyle Team, who offer day trips to landmarks such as The Royal Yacht Britania as well as Therapet sessions, relaxing joy rides down to Cramond Beach and much more.

For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.

To get in touch directly, please email enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Luxury care home offering top-notch healthcare for residents

Frequent GP appointments and in-house healthcare on offer for residents at leading home

A LEADING Scottish care home has revealed its residents currently benefit from some of the best healthcare in the country within a care setting, thanks to world-class in-house facilities and frequent GP checkups.

With research from the British Medical Journal showing that frequent, primary healthcare decreases mortality and hospital visits; dementia care experts Cramond Residence has prioritised its resident’s care by ensuring all of them have access to GP visits twice a week.

The home boasts some of the most extensive care in Scotland, providing its residents with top-tier facilities through its wellness and physiotherapy suite, an in-house GP, a room dedicated to Allied Health Professionals, and a gym.

Ross Bijak, General Manager of Cramond Residence said: “Usually, those who stay with us are dealing with complex health issues and we want to ensure that we provide them with the very best healthcare possible.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to provide this to our residents, by offering frequent GP checkups we can ensure we are on top of any medical concerns and that our resident’s families can have peace of mind knowing that any issues are frequently monitored and managed.

“We believe we have one of the best care programmes in Scotland. We have a fantastic in-house nursing team and state-of-the-art facilities and this is further solidified by the frequent GP visits which our residents benefit from every Tuesday and Friday.”

Specialising in a comprehensive range of dementia care services, the home accommodates residents in both its communal living spaces and a dedicated section for those with advanced dementia needs.

The residence ensures optimal care through continuous assessment and a collaborative team of healthcare professionals, all within a setting designed to promote independence and well-being.

Ross added: “Our team keep the GPs updated about on any medical challenges that our residents face, and then after a thorough check-up, the GP’s insights help us update our records and fine-tune care plans to meet each resident’s unique needs.

“Everything we do happens right here in the comfort of the residence, so there’s hardly any disruption to the everyday lives of our residents. Plus, having the same friendly faces of doctors for check-ups brings a comforting sense of consistency and trust for both our residents and their loved ones.”

Since its opening in October 2018, after an investment of £8m, the Cramond Residence has championed the concept of small group living, emphasising social connections.

The residence offers a selection of activities designed for individuals with dementia, aiming to enhance their quality of life. Equipped with modern facilities and supported by a dedicated team, the home is committed to providing care, support, and respite for its residents.

For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.

To get in touch directly, please email enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Lauriston Castle launches 2024 programme

Lauriston Castle officially launched it’s 2024 programme this week with a visit from Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker alongside members of the multi-award winning Edinburgh Living History.

Convener Walker rose to the occasion and joined Edinburgh Living History in full Edwardian dress for a tour of Lauriston Castle.

Situated in the Cramond area of the city, this 16th century castle has breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and will play host to an eclectic programme of events over the coming months.

Pic Greg Macvean 03/04/2024 Lauriston Castle with Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker in period costume

The Lectures series features discussions on everything from whisky to a history of Edinburgh photography.

Under the Adult Crafts Workshops there are sessions on watercolour painting, crocheting and much more.

In the Family Events section there’s everything from ghost tours to workshops on space!

There is also a range of Costumed Performances where visitors can experience reenactments of Edinburgh life from days gone by.

As well as these there are also Themed Tours, Theatre Performances, Atmospheric Film Screenings and Garden Events. We’re also working with partners like Edinburgh International Magic Festival and Edinburgh Horror Festival.

All events are listed on the Museums & Galleries website.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said:It was an absolute pleasure to visit Lauriston Castle this week. Edinburgh Living History and our fantastic Museums & Galleries colleagues were kind enough to welcome me and provide a chance to explore one of our most unique venues.

“In the coming months there’s an excellent range of events taking place as part of the Lauriston Castle 2024 programme. From lectures on circular fashion to the grisly history of anatomy in 19th century Edinburgh all the way through to adult creative workshops and family events there’s truly something for everyone.

“I’d encourage all our residents and visitors to take advantage of these.”

About Lauriston Castle:

For more than 400 years, enchanting Lauriston Castle has overlooked the River Forth at Silverknowes, near Cramond. Set among 30 acres of woodland and beautiful gardens, Lauriston Castle is a special place to visit.

The Castle itself has a beautiful Edwardian interior, from which we take inspiration for many of our workshops.  Downstairs are the servants’ quarters, including the maids’ hall and the atmospheric old kitchen, where a warm welcome awaits you during the winter months.

Why not double up a day visiting the Castle grounds with a picnic, and historic Cramond is right on our doorstep so you can make a real day out visiting this part of Edinburgh. 

Free car parking is available within the Castle grounds off Cramond Road South. Lauriston Castle is easy to reach and is close by car from the City Bypass.  It sits between Davidson’s Mains and Cramond.

You can take numerous buses to Davidson’s Mains, or Silverknowes Terminus; both are around 10 minutes’ walk from Lauriston Castle.  Visit Lothian Buses website for details of local services.

Pic Greg Macvean 03/04/2024 Lauriston Castle with Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker in period costume

Booking:

Pre-booking and advance payment are essential for all events. 

Online: To book visit our website.

By phone – 0131 336 2060 (Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 10am – 4pm)

In person – At Lauriston Castle – (Go through Courtyard by Mimi’s Café and ring the bell on the green door) Monday – Sunday 10am – 4pm

For further information (non-booking information) about any event, contact Margaret Findlay, Learning and Programmes Manager, on 0131 529 3993 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk  

Whitehouse Road crash: man charged

A 50-year-old man has been charged in connection with road traffic offences following a two car crash on Whitehouse Road that happened around 6.30pm on Wednesday, 6 March.

A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Cramond Association: Update on Cramond Campus site

See below from the latest update on the campus. These updates are part of the process agreed in the mediation. They allow us all to see what is happening and to take part in the discussion.

The outcome of the process was a compromise but was thought by those involved and those consulted in open events to be a reasonable one that would get something useful done and provide facilities for the community.

What will be produced is still subject to review and consultation so is not yet fixed, so you have the chance to comment.

Boy, 11, dies following collision on Whitehouse Road

VICTIM NAMED

An 11-year-old boy has died following a collision on Whitehouse Loan in Cramond. The Cramond P7 pupil who died after being struck by a bin lorry on Friday (1st March) has been named as Thomas Wong.

His family has asked for privacy. Enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances.

The incident happened around 8.20am on Friday, 1 March near to the junction with Braehead Road.

The boy was riding a bicycle when he was involved in a collision with a bin lorry.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin are aware.

The driver of the bin lorry was uninjured.

Inspector Andrew Thomson, of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the boy’s family and friends at this time.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I would urge anyone who may have information which has not yet been passed to Police to get in touch.

“I would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage from the area.

“Specially trained officers are supporting the family at this time.

“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting incident 0578 of 1 March, 2024.”

Tree Planting Event: 16 March

SUNDAY 16 MARCH from 11am – 1pm

Lauriston Agroecology Farm

Interested in supporting local biodiversity whilst spending a great morning outdoors?

Let’s plant some trees and have some fun!

Get in touch with us at c3r@elrec.org.uk for more details and to register!

#treeplanting

#edinburgh

#event

#biodiversity

#outdoors

Have you seen Alison?

*** INCIDENT UPDATE ***

POLICE UPDATE: 7 February, 2.53pm:

A woman’s body has been recovered from the sea at Gullane, East Lothian. The woman has been confirmed as Alison Campbell missing from Edinburgh.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

POLICE are appealing for help to trace Alison Campbell, 50, who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.

Alison was last seen leaving a property in Murrayfield Avenue around 3.10am this morning (Tuesday, 6 February), and drove off in her red Toyota Aygo.

She is described as 5ft3, of very slim build, with straight shoulder length brown hair.

She is believed to be wearing a navy blue puffer jacket, a bright pink knitted scarf and black leather ankle boots. She normally wears a gold ring with a black onyx stone on her right hand.

Officers have traced Alison’s car in the Cramond beach area and a search is ongoing there.

Inspector Dougal Begg said: “Alison’s family are extremely concerned about her wellbeing and we are asking members of the public to keep a look out and report any sightings to police.

“Officers and the Coastguard are carrying out searches in the Cramond beach area and would urge anyone who has been there today to consider whether they may have seen a woman matching Alison’s description.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0535 of Tuesday, 6 February, 2024.”

New General Manager for Strachan House care home

Staff at Barchester Healthcare’s Strachan House care home, in Edinburgh have welcomed a new General Manager to head up the team. 

Fran Fisher will oversee the running of the 83 bed home and will be responsible for a team of 114 staff.  Prior to starting in this position Fran was a Regional Director within the care sector bringing a wealth of experience to home. 

Fran returned to Barchester in late 2023 before transferring to Strachan House as General Manager, where she had worked as a student nurse 11 years ago. 

Strachan House is one of over 200 care homes owned by Barchester Healthcare that offers high quality care to its local communities. The home regularly holds events and activities for its residents and surrounding neighbours.

The new General Manager, Fran Fisher said: “I am delighted to join the team here at Strachan House and am enjoying meeting and getting to know our residents.

“Some of the staff team are familiar from my time here as a student and it’s a great chance to lead the team and get to know staff old and new.  I’m looking forward to managing this home and continuing to provide high quality care.”

Mandy Hurst the Regional Operations Director for Strachan House said: “I am pleased to welcome this addition to the team here at Strachan House.

“We are committed to providing high quality care and I really think Fran will be a big hit with our residents.”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.