Eilean Dubh marks fifth anniversary with community celebration

2 July 2026

A Black Isle care home is marking its fifth anniversary this weekend with a community celebration that will also give local people the chance to meet its new manager.

Eilean Dubh in Fortrose will mark five years of caring for the local community with a day of celebrations on Saturday. The free event is open to everyone as a thank you to residents, families, colleagues and the wider community for their support over the past five years.

The event begins with a sponsored walk at 11am, followed by a barbecue at 12.30pm and live music from 2pm.

The celebrations will also give the local community an opportunity to meet Eilean Dubh's new manager, Mark Conti, who joined last month.

Mark brings a broad range of experience to the role, with a career spanning the Armed Forces, IT, psychotherapy, mental health nursing and social care. Most recently, he was a service manager supporting people with learning disabilities.

Mark said: "I'm delighted to be joining Eilean Dubh at such a special time in its history. The home has built a fantastic reputation over the past five years and I'm looking forward to working alongside our dedicated team to build on that success. I hope as many people as possible will join us on Saturday as we celebrate this important milestone together."

Over the past five years, Eilean Dubh has become known for its lively programme of activities and strong community links. Residents have taken part in everything from talent shows, fashion shows and Pride celebrations to an award-winning gardening club. Last year, the home raised thousands of pounds for Highland Hospice by creating a sculpture for the charity's HeArt Trail and was named Regional Care Home of the Year (Scotland) at the 2025 Caring UK Awards.

The home is also expanding, with four additional bedrooms currently under construction as part of care home operator Parklands' multi-million-pound investment programme to increase care capacity across the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire.

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