Keith’s Weston View Care Home bidding fond farewell to ‘legendary’ duo Shona Conlin and Isobel Andrew.
A Moray care home is bidding farewell to two long-serving staff members who have spend decades helping others.
Manager Shona Conlin and nurse Isobel Andrew are both retiring this month from Weston View in Keith.
Isobel was inspired to become a nurse after a hospital stay in 1978. Illness meant she’d left school without formal qualifications, but the care she received motivated her to begin nurse training.
She joined Weston House in Keith as a carer in 1991 before moving into a nursing role in 1998.
In 2016, she transferred to the home’s new purpose-built facility, renamed Weston View, which became part of Parklands Care Homes in 2023, following the collapse of its operator Craigard Care Limited.
Shona, meanwhile, began her career in 1985 as a pantry assistant in a psychiatric hospital, before training as a nurse at Foresterhill School of Nursing in Aberdeen.
After qualifying, she worked at Ladysbridge Hospital, progressing to acting deputy charge nurse, before completing her RGN qualification in 1994.
She spent 16 years as a senior healthcare coordinator in the Moray community learning disability team before moving into older people’s care in 2013, joining Parklands as a care home manager in Buckie.
Shona later became an area manager, overseeing several homes, before taking on the role of manager at Weston View.
She was instrumental in transforming care standards at Weston View, gaining grade 5 (very good) ratings for its quality of leadership, its setting and how well it planned care and support.
Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Care Homes, paid tribute to both Isobel and Shona.
He said: “They have both dedicated their lives to caring for others, and their retirement is truly the end of an era for Weston View.
“Isobel is a much-admired and highly respected figure in the home, known for her kindness and commitment to her residents.
“Shona has been an invaluable member of the Parklands leadership team for many years, taking on several key roles.
“Her leadership at Weston View came at a critical time, and through her dedication and expertise, she has transformed the home, creating a culture of professionalism, teamwork, and high standards of care.
“We are deeply grateful for all they have done and wish them both a long, happy, and well-earned retirement.”
Isobel says she will miss the home dearly: “Looking after all the residents, getting to know them and their families, just being there for them – that was so special.”
But she is also looking forward to a new pace of life, with “long lie-ins, dog walks, gardening, plus enjoying grandchildren, family and the time to do my own thing.”
Shona added: “During my 40-year career, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside many inspirational people and teams. I am glad that I am finishing my career with such a fantastic team. I will miss them greatly.”
