Milestone anniversary for Black Isle care home

6 July 2026

A Black Isle care home has marked its fifth anniversary with a day of remembrance and celebration.

Eilean Dubh Care Home in Fortrose welcomed residents, families and members of the local community to mark the milestone occasion.

The day began with the opening of Eilean Dubh’s Memorial Garden, a peaceful space dedicated to remembering former residents. Among those attending were the family of Billy Mackintosh, one of Eilean Dubh's first residents, who sadly died in February. Billy’s family donated a commemorative bench in his memory before joining residents and staff in planting a tree.

The focus then turned to celebration as residents, relatives and members of the local community took part in a sponsored walk in aid of the home's Residents' Comfort Fund before enjoying a barbecue and live music.

One of the day's highlights was the appearance of resident Mario Pagliari's iconic ice cream bike. Mario, who ran a café on Fortrose High Street for many years, was a familiar sight around the town serving ice creams from his bike. He was joined by his family as he once again served ice creams to residents, children and visitors.

Fiona Stoddart, Wellbeing Coordinator at Eilean Dubh, said: "It was a wonderful day and the perfect way to mark five years of Eilean Dubh. We wanted to bring everyone together and thank all those who have supported us over the years.

"Opening the Memorial Garden was a particularly special moment. Billy was one of our very first residents and is still greatly missed by everyone who knew him. We're incredibly grateful to his family for their generous donation of the bench, which will provide a peaceful place for residents and visitors to sit, reflect and remember loved ones.

"It was also wonderful to have Mario's ice cream bike with us for the anniversary. Mario has been such a well-known part of the Fortrose community for many years and seeing him serving ice creams again brought back so many happy memories. It was a lovely reminder of the contribution our residents have made to the local community over the years."

The fifth anniversary caps a landmark year for Eilean Dubh, which was recently named Regional Care Home of the Year (Scotland) at the Caring UK Awards.