Glenisla nurse retires after almost 40 years in healthcare

28 September 2026

A nurse who returned to frontline care after retiring from a senior career in higher education is hanging up his uniform after almost 40 years in healthcare.

Robin Richardson, a nurse with Parklands Care Homes at Glenisla in Keith, began his nursing career in 1987 at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh before working at the Royal Free Hospital and St Mary’s Hospital in London, where he specialised in surgical nursing.

His career later took him into higher education, joining the University of Central Lancashire in 2003 and eventually becoming Executive Dean for the Faculty of Allied Health and Wellbeing.

After retiring from academia in 2023 and moving to Moray, Robin decided he wasn’t quite ready to give up nursing and returned to clinical practice as a part-time nurse at Glenisla, as part of Parklands’ Moray community nursing team.

Robin said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Moray community nursing team, particularly being part of the brilliant team at Glenisla in Keith.

“After spending over 20 years in the higher education sector, it has been great to see out my career back in clinical practice. I really feel that my career has come full circle.

“I have never regretted my decision to become a nurse. It is a privilege to care for people and their families, particularly at the end of life.

“I will miss the residents and all the staff but hope to stay in touch as I look forward to putting my feet up!”

Glenisla manager Brenda Harper said: “Robin came to us with a huge amount of nursing knowledge and experience and has made an important contribution during his time at Glenisla. He has been a great source of support to residents and colleagues alike, and we will miss having him as part of the team.

“We wish him a long and happy retirement.”