AN AYR care practitioner has been honoured with a top award after being recognised for her outstanding dedication.

Michelle Millar from Greenan Manor Care Home in Doonfoot won the award for Senior Care Worker/Practitioner of the Year at the 2024 Meallmore Colleague Awards.

Michelle was acknowledged for always showing professionalism and compassion to residents and their families, and providing consistently high levels of care and support.

Meallmore is one of Scotland’s leading providers of elderly and specialist care and more than 1,500 nominations were made for this year’s awards.

The event, now in its 13th year, returned to the Dunblane Hydro for the official ceremony with 200 people in attendance from Meallmore’s 26 care homes across Scotland.

All 2,000 Meallmore colleagues are eligible for an award, with nominations coming from residents and their families, visiting professionals and other members of the team in the weeks leading up to the ceremony.

Michelle said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to receive this award - not only for myself, but also for Greenan Manor.

"I did not expect to be nominated, never mind become a finalist, so to actually win it is greatly appreciated.”

Cillian Hennessey, CEO of Meallmore, said: “Our teams work tirelessly to deliver high standards of care across all our services, always going the extra mile for our residents and their families.

"I’m immensely proud of the care, professionalism and collaborative approach that is clear to see in each of our homes up and down the country."

Category winners were presented with a certificate, trophy and choice of prize, which included an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Nintendo Switch, Ooni Pizza Oven, Ninja Dual Air Fryer or Fitbit Sense.