Thirty years at the heart of Auchtercrag

For three decades, Elaine Shepherd and Moira Shepherd have been at the heart of life at Auchtercrag Care Home, supporting residents, comforting families and helping to shape the warm, welcoming community that exists today.

As they celebrate an incredible 30 years of service, we reflect on the dedication, kindness and commitment that have defined their careers and made a lasting difference to countless lives.

Building Careers Close to Home

Both Elaine and Moira joined Auchtercrag in its earliest days, becoming part of the home's story from the very beginning.

Elaine remembers watching the care home being built just a short walk from her home in Ellon. After taking time away from work to raise her children, she saw an opportunity to return to nursing without the long commute to Aberdeen.

Starting as a care worker before moving into a registered nursing role, Elaine quickly developed a deep connection with residents and their families.

My aim was to make it a homely, happy environment and to gain the trust of both residents and their families. The team and myself succeeded in this and soon I felt that Auchtercrag was a home from home and not just a paid job.

Similarly, Moira joined after seeing an advertisement for the new care home in her local newspaper. What began as a practical opportunity soon became a lifelong career built on strong relationships and a shared purpose.

The reason I stayed and still remain there is the good relationship I have maintained over the years with management, staff, residents, and families... Good relationships with management and staff make for a good atmosphere, and that shows through to residents and families.

Kindness That Creates Lasting Memories

Creating environments of kindness is one of Meallmore's core values, and throughout their careers both Elaine and Moira have witnessed how simple acts of compassion can make an extraordinary difference.

One of Moira's most treasured memories involves a resident receiving end-of-life care. Recognising the close bond between him and his wife, Moira helped arrange for her to stay overnight at the home, allowing the couple to spend precious time together.

The gesture meant the world to the family.

It was just a small act on our part, but meant the world to her.

For Elaine, kindness often came through meaningful conversations and understanding what mattered most to residents. She recalls spending time with a gentleman who loved fishing and would often become distressed.

By talking with him about angling and asking for his advice, she saw an immediate transformation.

His face would brighten when we had our wee chats.

Years after his passing, his wife gifted Elaine his fishing pliers, a keepsake she still treasures today.

The Power of Relationships

Over the last 30 years, both colleagues have built countless relationships that continue to inspire them.

Elaine speaks fondly of a remarkable resident who, alongside her husband, helped rescue Jewish children during the Second World War. Even decades later, the stories she shared and the impact she had on others remain unforgettable.

Moira highlights the importance of communication and trust in every aspect of care.

A friendly face and a kind word can make someone's day feel special.

She also remembers former Charge Nurse Allison Watt, whose compassion, knowledge and support left a lasting impression on everyone she worked alongside.

Her kindness, compassion, calm approach and knowledge will never be forgotten.

These connections demonstrate the profound human impact of care and the importance of recognising every individual story.

A Team That Feels Like Family

While much has changed within the care sector over the last three decades, one thing has remained constant: the strength of the Auchtercrag team.

Both Elaine and Moira describe Auchtercrag as more than a workplace. It is a community built on friendship, support and shared values.

After moving to night shifts later in her career, Elaine says colleagues helped her adapt and made the transition seamless.

The team on both day shift and night shift are so dedicated and kind to our residents.

For Moira, the support she received from colleagues and managers during personal bereavement reinforced just how special the home is.

When I walk through the door, it always feels like my second home.

Their reflections capture Meallmore's commitment to recognition, demonstrating the value of every team member and the importance of creating great places to work and live.

Learning, Growing and Leading by Example

Thirty years in care has brought many changes, but both Elaine and Moira have embraced every opportunity to learn and adapt.

For Elaine, the foundations of exceptional care remain unchanged.

Respect, hard work, kindness, empathy and understanding is the only way to help residents and staff have a happy place to live and work.

Moira believes continuous improvement is essential to maintaining high standards and ensuring residents always receive the best possible support.

You must move with the times as things change over the years and accept these changes, but always remember that the care, respect and dignity we give to our residents remain of the high standards we have strived to achieve and to be proud of these achievements.

Their dedication to learning, mentoring colleagues and sharing their experience reflects Meallmore's commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.

Looking Ahead While Celebrating the Past

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we would like to thank Elaine and Moira for their unwavering commitment, professionalism and compassion over the past 30 years.

Through their kindness, leadership and dedication, they have touched the lives of residents, families and colleagues, helping to create the welcoming community that makes Auchtercrag so special.

Their stories are a powerful reminder of what care is truly about: building relationships, creating meaningful moments and supporting people with dignity and compassion every day. As part of the Meallmore family, Elaine and Moira embody our values of kindness, accountability, recognition and continuous improvement, helping us continue our mission of creating great places to live and work for everyone who calls our homes their own.

If a career like theirs appeals, our roles pages set out what each job involves, and you can find a Meallmore home near you across Scotland.