Willie, Sam and Caroline McDonald, owners of Bellerose Care Ltd, bought 49-bedroom Bankhouse after it went into administration – preserving a well-respected and much-loved part of the local community.

The family, who also own Shandon Loch Ltd, have a long history of transforming the fortunes of care homes across Scotland, saving hundreds of jobs and vital care places.

Willie, a former nurse, said: “We bought our first care home 27 years ago because it was failing and we had a genuine desire to save the home and jobs. We turned it around and that led to us buying a second and so on.

“Care homes fail for a reason so first we must identify if we think it’s saveable. We tend to get a feeling very quickly if it will be a right fit. Bankhouse has a great platform already. We have come in and just given it the support and guidance it needs to push forward.

“We will improve all aspects of Bankhouse by investing in the environment itself and improving the already very good service it provides.”

The McDonalds say dedicated staff, great service, a homely environment and targeted spending are key to a successful care home. They’re very hands-on in their homes and firmly believe in leading by example and being approachable to all.

Willie was introduced to Unity after looking for a new banking partner. He said: “As soon as I spoke to our relationship manager, Michelle Wilson, I knew we wanted to be with Unity.

“Unity’s ethos and philosophy of being in business for the greater good is the equivalent to what we do in the care industry and it felt like the perfect match. Michelle has been absolutely fantastic. She’s been so supportive and you can tell she’s genuinely passionate about what she’s doing and what we’re doing. When you work with people you trust and you share the same values and vision, it’s such a pleasure. Every single interface we’ve had with Unity has been exceptional. Unity feels like family.”

Michelle Wilson, relationship manager at Unity Trust Bank, added: “The McDonald family and their team are doing a fantastic job and we’re delighted to provide the funding for Bankhouse.

“As a social impact bank we support a range of frontline organisations that strengthen communities. We’re committed to providing our customers with the sector expertise and personal assistance they need to grow their organisation and improve the lives of people most in need.”