3 SEPTEMBER 2026
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Home Farm to remain open after Care Inspectorate signs off improvements
Home Farm Care Home is to stay open after meeting all the required improvements set out by the Care Inspectorate.
NHS Highland confirmed to Radio Skye that the home was subject to an unannounced inspection between 26 and 29 August.
The Care Inspectorate has now confirmed that it is satisfied that the necessary changes have been made and has lifted the Improvement Notice issued earlier this year. A full report from the regulator is expected to follow.
Arlene Johnstone, Chief Officer of the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership, said:
“The Care Inspectorate issued NHS Highland with an extension to the Improvement Notice for Home Farm Care Home in July.
“Since then, NHS Highland has taken extensive action to strengthen leadership, governance, staffing oversight, clinical support and quality assurance within the home. The appointment of an Interim Registered Manager has made a significant contribution to this work, providing strong day-to-day leadership for staff and helping to coordinate improvement activity across the home.
“Following an unannounced inspection between 26 and 29 August, the Care Inspectorate has now confirmed that it is satisfied all required improvements have been met and has lifted the Improvement Notice.
“The Care Inspectorate has advised that a full inspection report will be issued in due course. Once received, we will share the findings with residents, families and other stakeholders.
“I would like to thank residents, families, staff and partner organisations for their patience, support and commitment throughout this period. I would also like to recognise the considerable effort of everyone involved in delivering these improvements and supporting positive change within the home.”
The care home had previously been given an Improvement Notice by the Care Inspectorate following a report earlier this year.
The report highlighted a “toxic workplace culture” and problems with staffing.
Concerns were also raised about the maintenance of the building and the keeping of patient records.
The deadline for the required changes was initially July, but this was later extended to 25 August.
Radio Skye has contacted the Care Inspectorate for comment.
Home Farm’s history
The care home was at the centre of a major Covid outbreak in 2020, during which 11 residents died.
It was subsequently taken over by NHS Highland.
A series of inspections this summer raised concerns locally.
The SOS Skye campaign group held a meeting at the beginning of August to discuss the situation.
There has also been political pressure on NHS Highland throughout the process.
Following the SOS Skye meeting, local MSP Andrew Baxter told Radio Skye he would call for senior NHS Highland resignations if the health board had failed to meet the Care Inspectorate’s requirements.
NHS Highland declined to respond to Mr Baxter’s comments at the time.
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]]>‘Serious concerns’ raised over care at Home Farm
The Care Inspectorate has issued an improvement notice to NHS Highland, which runs Home Farm. It says significant concerns have been raised around leadership, staffing and safety.
Management have been given a deadline of July to improve things. Following that, the home’s registration could be removed.
Home Farm cares for up to 35 people. Eleven residents died during a serious Covid outbreak in 2020. It was operated by HC One at the time. NHS Highland says it is “sorry for the anxiety this situation may cause” and that it recognises the findings will be concerning. The board says it will implement an improvement plan and bring in what it calls “additional leadership and clinical support”.
In a statement, the Care Inspectorate said:
“We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for residents, their families and staff at the service.
“However, our first priority is always the health and wellbeing of people.
“Because of our concerns we have issued an Improvement Notice.
“This sets out the significant improvements that must be made within a specified timeframe.
“We are in contact with and monitoring the service to follow up on the required improvements.”
This is a breaking news story – check back for updates.
]]>Plockton’s Gaelic nursery passes inspection with flying colours
Inspectors have praised the Gaelic medium nursery at Plockton Primary following a recent unannounced visit.
A report by the Care Inspectorate said children at Sgoil Àraich a’ Phluic experienced “warm, consistent and responsive care” which supported their growth, development and wellbeing.
The nursery was graded as “good” across all areas inspected, including leadership, staff skills and children’s play, learning and development.
Inspectors highlighted the consistent use of Gaelic throughout the day. Staff interactions were described as positive, with children showing engagement and understanding during activities.
The report also noted that children benefited from a caring ethos where they were treated with kindness and respect.
Staff and children at Sgoil Àraich a’ Phluic, the Gaelic medium nursery at Plockton Primary
Councillor John Finlayson, chair of The Highland Council’s Education Committee, welcomed the findings.
He said: “I welcome this report and I congratulate the staff at the Plockton ELC for their work to foster what is clearly a welcoming and inclusive care setting.
“The children are being nurtured, valued and well supported in all aspects of their play, learning and development.
“This is really positive news and staff, families and the children should all take pride from such an encouraging report.”
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