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Exciting new refurbishments are coming soon to Cairdean House

Our team at
Cairdean House

Trusted to care in Colinton - Edinburgh, Scotland

Trusted to care in Colinton - Edinburgh, Scotland|Top-rated private care provider in Scotland|Care UK is the most awarded care home provider for the last four years|Discover why Care UK is trusted to care by over 10,000 families

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Meet our friendly care team

Our people are passionate about making every day the best it can be for the people we care for. We all have very different backgrounds and skills, but we all work together to deliver the best care and experiences for residents. Take a look at these pages to learn more about our team and what makes them tick.

Angela Burns

Home Manager

Angela Burns

I’m proud to be home manager at Cairdean House care home.

I’ve been a qualified nurse for over 40 years and have managed care homes for the past 18 years. Along the way, I’ve completed my SVQ 4 in management, all mandatory training and hold certificates in working with children with special needs and in inclusion skills.

I chose to work at Care UK because of its strong reputation as a good company. In my role, it’s important to be open, honest, organised and to have a good sense of humour. Having strong listening skills and responding to issues in a timely manner is essential.

My favourite part of the day is walking around the home, chatting with staff, residents and relatives, and looking for ways to continue improving our environment. One of my proudest achievements was commissioning a care home from a building site into a luxury care setting.

It’s incredibly rewarding to see residents enjoying some well-deserved self-care, feeling happy and getting involved in activities. It’s also great to receive good ratings from external and internal inspections.

Outside of work, I enjoy music, singing and spending time with my granddaughter.

Taylor Baker
Taylor Baker
Deputy Manager

I joined Care UK in 2014 as a Care Assistant at Cairdean House. Alongside working as a Care Assistant, I completed my degree in Adult Nursing and then became a Registered Nurse in 2018. In June 2022, I transferred to Care UK’s Murrayside as a Unit Manager, but I rejoined Cairdean in July 2023 as Deputy Manager, and I am over the moon to be back!

Care UK provides excellent care to residents, and residents are always the priority. To be a Deputy Manager, I feel you have to be approachable, kind and patient. The most important part of my role is ensuring that our residents are supported in maintaining their safety and wellbeing and to ensure they are living a fulfilled life each and every day.

Making a difference to residents’ lives and seeing them happy makes me proud of what I do. I am also proud of our team here at Cairdean House. My colleagues are truly exceptional and genuinely care for residents. I love that Cairdean is a family, which includes residents, visitors and colleagues!

Since becoming a mum in 2021, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my son outside of work, watching him grow and go on as many adventures as possible. 

Leona Thomson
Leona Thomson
Customer Relations Manager

I joined Care UK in 2020 as I was looking for a career move where I could really make a difference. I feel that supporting older people is a real privilege and a sense of giving back. Before working here, I worked as a Business Development Manager within the motor industry for 15 years.

Working at Cairdean I enjoy being part of the family from the team to the residents - it is a complete family culture and to be part of that is very special.

To do well in this role, I feel you have to be a people person. From the initial enquiry from the loved ones, understanding their needs and wishes. This is an emotional time for the resident and family so we need to make them feel fully supported throughout. I also love to meet the residents, listen to their amazing stories and of course see how much Cairdean is a ‘home from home’ to them.

My biggest challenge so far has been starting this role during the Covid-19 pandemic. Helping families virtually has been difficult but it’s also a great challenge to ensure we cover everything in detail.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my little five-year-old, husband and our new dog Mylo and we enjoy long walks and adventures.  

Claire Carson
Claire Carson
Lifestyle lead

I started working at Cairdean House as a carer in October 2015 and progressed onto working as a team leader and then as the Lifestyle Lead in 2019. I decided to join Care UK as I wanted to help people and give them more happiness in their later life.

To do well in this role, I feel you need to be very organised, a people person, enthusiastic, and be able to think out of the box with new ideas.

The best part of my day is spending time with the residents and seeing them smile during activities and reminiscing time. So far, my biggest career highlight has been organised large charitable events. I love smashing our targets and exceeding everyone’s expectations.

When I’m not working, I enjoy time with my young family and taking them on adventures.

Scott Runciman
Scott Runciman
Head Chef

I’ve been cooking in the care sector for around 10 years. Over this time, I’ve gained experience and training in all the aspects required to create and manage nutritious menus that can be catered to any specialist diet you come across within a care home.

I was working as a second chef in another care home before joining Cairdean House, but I wanted a new challenge. This role appealed to me as an opportunity to showcase my skills in a new environment.

In this role, it’s important to be a strong leader and a good listener. You also need to be organised, approachable and willing to teach others. I believe the most important part of my role is incorporating new ideas to suit menus for different dietary requirements, while using seasonal and local produce.

A highlight from my career was being named the regional finalist for Chef of the Year in my previous job. At that time, I was the only Second Chef to have made the finals. I’m always grateful to receive positive feedback from residents and relatives – it makes me feel proud of what I do.

I’m a keen bowler outside of work, and I also enjoy going to watch the football.

Jed Egan Veridiano
Jed Egan Veridiano
Unit Manager

I decided to join Care UK after hearing positive feedback and testimonies from people I know and through my own research. Previously, I had been working as a medical surgical nurse in the Philippines since 2010.

Being promoted to Unit Manager and having the opportunity to be Cairdean House’s Dementia Care Champion have been the highlights of my career. In this role, you need to be optimistic, resilient and have a positive mindset. Teamwork and camaraderie are also important characteristics to have.

I strive to be an example to others. A good leader doesn’t just show that everything is always perfect. They also acknowledge that things might not turn out the way we want right away, but that together we will find a solution and progress as a team.

My days at Cairdean House can be long, but it always brightens my day when a resident or a family member expresses their thanks and gratitude. Their smiles and hugs when they know they are being cared for are my favourite part of the day.

When I’m not working, I enjoy PC gaming, window shopping, cooking and working out.

Charlie Carmichael
Charlie Carmichael
Receptionist and Administrator

Before joining Care UK, I worked as a hotel receptionist. I loved being front of house but moved to Care UK when I was ready for a change of environment. My current role allows me to do what I love most - welcoming people and helping them feel at ease. I love working in a setting where I can make a real difference.

To do this job well, I think you need to be compassionate, happy, chatty and outgoing. My favourite part of the day is meeting new people and supporting families with any queries they may have. It’s always rewarding to know I’ve helped someone, whether that’s a resident, visitor or colleague. I’m proud to be someone others can rely on and to assist with whatever is needed.

For me, the most important part of my role at Cairdean is making sure team members have their weekly shifts organised, as well as greeting everyone politely so they feel welcome from the moment they arrive.

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, going to concerts, and spending time with family and friends.

Shannon McLaughlan
Shannon McLaughlan
Receptionist

Before becoming the Receptionist/Administrator at Cairdean House, I was working as a Care Assistant where I was nominated for Best Carer of the Year. I was recommended for this role by a current colleague.

My role is to greet visitors professionally and respectfully and ensure that team members are fulfilling their weekly shifts. I believe it’s important to be sociable, bubbly, compassionate and outgoing in this role.

I love that I have the chance to chat with families and help with queries every day, and I’m proud that I can help families and be the face of Cairdean House.

Henryk Grodek
Henryk Grodek
Head Housekeeper

With a background in hotel management and a master’s degree in Physiotherapy from Poland, I bring a mix of hospitality experience and healthcare understanding to my role as Head Housekeeper.

I joined Care UK to begin a new chapter in my career where I could combine my passion for high standards, healthcare and my wish to make a difference in people’s lives.

Before joining Cairdean House, I worked as a Housekeeping Manager, leading teams of more than 20 people in a busy hotel setting. I believe patience, attention to detail, and the ability to understand people’s individual needs are vital to delivering excellent service in a care home environment.

My favourite part of my day is walking the floors, catching up with colleagues and residents, and sharing ideas and feedback. It’s a chance to connect and ensure everything is running smoothly.

I’m proud to play a part in making residents feel safe and comfortable, and to lead a team that takes such pride in its work.

Outside of work, I enjoy football, playing padel and spending time with my family.

Our experienced teams

Every day Care UK colleagues live our values of passionate, caring and teamwork to empower residents to enjoy fulfilling lives.

Carers

Our hardworking teams always keep individuals and their families at the heart of the care they provide. We work with you to shape the care your loved one receives, the food they’re served, the activities and experiences they want to do – even the ways they prefer to keep in touch with their friends and family. 

Nurses

The nurses at Care UK are highly skilled and receive sector-leading training, which enables them to keep developing expertise in different clinical fields from dementia to palliative care.

Lifestyle

Our dedicated lifestyle teams work hard to organise a range of activities and events at our home. From gardening and baking to quizzes, music sessions and even live entertainment. Above all, we get to know your loved one to make sure our activities are tailored to suit their interests and hobbies.

Home support roles

From catering to maintenance, housekeeping to administration, our home support teams play a crucial part in ensuring individuals enjoy an exceptional and safe service every day.

All our teams get to know each person they care for to ensure they provide a service that’s designed around their unique needs and tastes. 

Infection control

Every colleague receives training in infection prevention and control as part of their induction and updates regularly through online and in-person learning. Our dedicated IPC Champions in each home help embed safe working practices and raise awareness of hygiene standards.