Parklands People: Serving up food and care at Innis Mhor
Fiona Ross has been serving up nutritious, comforting meals to the residents of Innis Mhor Care Home in Tain since it opened ten years ago. But her culinary journey began much earlier, at the former Duthac House, where she first took on domestic and kitchen shifts.
Fiona quickly fell in love with the work and gradually progressed through various kitchen roles, gaining skills and confidence with each step. “When I was offered the Assistant Cook position, I was so happy,” she recalls. Eager to build on her skills, she took courses and attended college, constantly looking for ways to improve.
Fiona’s dedication paid off when she was promoted to Head Cook, a role she’s embraced with enthusiasm. Her efforts led to Duthac House receiving the prestigious Eat Safe Award for excellence in kitchen management – an achievement she still feels proud of today. "It was a huge success for me," she says. Under her guidance, the kitchen at Innis Mhor has maintained this recognition for the past 10 years.
Fiona’s commitment to high standards and her passion for food have made her a vital part of the home, earning her recognition and respect from both residents and colleagues.
Each day in the kitchen is a whirlwind of activity for Fiona. She starts her mornings by reviewing menus and preparing a list of tasks. From baking and soup-making to creating nutritious meals that meet the dietary needs of each resident, her work is a blend of planning, creativity, and precision.
Every meal is carefully crafted with fresh vegetables and balanced ingredients, making sure the food is not only nutritious but also enjoyable and colourful. "Our residents deserve the best of everything," Fiona says, and her menus reflect this, filled with familiar, comforting dishes like mince, stew, chicken, fish, and a roast dinner every Sunday – not to mention her delicious home bakes!
Fiona’s passion for food goes beyond simple nutrition; it’s about evoking memories and providing comfort. "Our menus are designed to bring back memories with old-fashioned food," she says, creating a sense of familiarity and warmth with every meal.
She designs the menus after speaking with residents to find out their preferences. If she introduces a new dish, like beef lasagne, she’ll make a trial batch to ensure it meets their tastes before adding it to the regular menu.
Her commitment to high standards extends to her kitchen team, whom she trains to uphold the rigorous food hygiene and quality standards she has set. “I’m very pleased to say we have a fabulous kitchen team. I do lots of training with them, so we can meet the very high standards needed to run the kitchen effectively,” she says.
Together, they bring excitement to the home through themed events like Mother’s Day, Halloween, and St. Patrick’s Day, where Fiona creates special menus to match the occasion. She and the team also organise regular afternoon teas, coffee mornings and BBQs and families are often invited to join these celebrations, making them lively and memorable for all.
These thoughtful touches have made Fiona a cherished part of the Innis Mhor family, earning praise from residents, her colleagues, and even the Care Inspectorate. In their latest report, inspectors noted: “Meals were of a high quality. People enjoyed their food.”
Passionate, creative, and deeply committed, Fiona Ross is much more than a cook; she plays a vital role in the overall wellbeing and comfort of each resident. Her dedication to preparing meals that nourish both body and soul has made her an integral part of the Innis Mhor care team. And she does it all with her trademark warmth and big smile. “I’m very passionate about my job. I love it.”
• If you’re inspired by Fiona’s story, why not check out our latest career opportunities at parklandsgroup.com/careers
