A RESIDENT and carer at Bandrum nursing home in Saline, Dunfermline have delighted their friends and colleagues by being shortlisted for two top honours at the annual Scottish Care Awards.

Norman McDonald (67) won the Care Home Resident of the Year Award, while Jamie Darling (27) came runner-up in the Carer of the Year Award. They were treated to a glamourous awards ceremony at the Hilton in Glasgow on 21st November and Rachel Duff, operations director at Bandrum, said she was very proud of their achievements.

“Norman was chosen for his ability to surprise and delight everyone in the home with his quiet dedication to his interests and hobbies,” she said. “He has been with us for so long and he has done so many things. He goes into church every day, visits the library, likes to watch the football, write for our newsletter and even sends letters into the Press!

“He just helps out and enjoys himself, and we’re all so proud. He had a brilliant night and enjoyed the meal and dancing, then he got to stay over and have breakfast in the morning.” Rachel describes Norman as a “quiet chap, but very clever” and revealed that he took a college course in religion and humanity where he won an award for being the top student, but didn’t tell anyone.

“He’s very modest,” she said. “It was the same with this award, but everybody in the unit and the rest of the home was really pleased.” Rachel also had words of praise for carer Jamie.

“It was nice to see recognised how good Jamie is,” she said. “It meant so much to us.

“It was the relative of a resident who nominated him, and she said he had earned the respect of her husband from the beginning by listening to his needs and never giving up. She said he was an exemplary role model who takes pride in his job and that is reflected in his relationship and commitment to the residents. For a relative to put that together herself is heartwarming, especially in her own words.

“Jamie is a nice, down-to-earth guy. He takes the residents fishing and does other activities, he volunteers for extra groups, he really goes above and beyond.

“He was a little bit daunted about going to the awards. There were around 650 people at the ceremony and he was in the top three carers out of around 34,000 in Scotland.

“He works in the young independent unit where Norman lives, so I think Norman was quite happy that Jamie was there.” Rachel added that the recognition highlighted the great team at Bandrum, and thanked all the staff for their support.

“We value all the staff here,” she said. “They do a great job and we couldn’t manage without them.

“It was nice for them to be part of this so we could show them how appreciative we are.”