BCG in Aberdeenshire | 1 Care Home

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from Isobel B (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 August 2025

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Dad has been resident at Alastrean since March 2021, just after Covid. His first few months were difficult, due to all the Covid restrictions still in place, and a number of different managers in succession, but now I can only say that he is very well looked after, and the staff are quite simply, excellent.

They're always there with a smile, they know dad and his quirks very well, and they are very accommodating. Dad is very comfortable, and participates in activities when he's in the mood. There is plenty of choice, and some residents have been going out, accompanied, to local cafes and picnic airs. A great move forward! When visiting, I always get offered a cup of tea, which is a simple act of kindness, but always most appreciated. It makes it feel more like home. The surroundings at Alastrean are quite beautiful too, and residents are fortunate to be able to go out to the gardens, when the weather is good.

Reply from David Kerr, Communications Team at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for writing this lovely review of Alastrean. It's reassuring to hear how comfortable your father is there and that you see all the effort that goes in to making it a wonderful home. The hardworking team will be so happy to read this.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from Pamela R (Wife of Resident) published on 11 August 2025

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Alastrean care home provides an excellent service. My husband has been a resident there since April and has been treated with respect and kindness.
I am able to visit him at any time and always feel welcome. I have joined him at meal times and observed that the food is nourishing and well presented

and he enjoys it. Residents are given a choice of meals and shown what the choices are rather than just told which is very helpful.
Alastrean is in a beautiful setting and is very well maintained and managed. Pets are welcome at anytime.
Overall, I am delighted with the home and feel that my husband could not be in a better place.

Reply from Melanie Brockway, Brand & Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful and comprehensive review. We are so very pleased how happy you are with your husband's care. We know how very important all the facets you mention are to your peace of mind. We will pass on your kind words to our hardworking team. Thank you once again.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from Caroline M (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 August 2025

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Mum has been there now for 6 months and has virtually bloomed. She is so well looked after. All her needs are catered for and more.
It is efficiently run with kindly staff too.
The home is beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean. I would highly recommend Alastrean.

Reply from Melanie Brockway, Brand & Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

What a lovely review! Thank you for taking the time to let us know how happy you are with your mum's care and how well she is doing. It means the world for our hardworking teams to hear the difference they make. Thank you once again, and we'll be sure to pass on your kind words.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from A W (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 April 2025

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

I am more than impressed with how my father is being looked after, cared for and loved. Apart from the surroundings and the interior set up being so beautiful and welcoming - it gives me much peace, knowing that the carers and general staff are genuinely fond of my father, and are so diligent in their

caring- so grateful even though he is very new, here. Thank you.

Reply from David Kerr, Communications Team at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to write this fantastic review. It's great to hear how well your father has settled in and how much you value our hardworking team already. They'll be delighted to read this. Thank you again!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from V B (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 April 2025

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My mother has been in home for 4 years. The staff are very good. Nothing is to much trouble when asked for advice about my mother. Lovely home.

Reply from David Kerr, Communications Team at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to review Alastrean. It's heartening to know that you see the efforts of the whole team. They will be really pleased to read your feedback.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 January 2025

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Mum was only here for a few short months but the whole team took such great care of her. Mum had issues with mobility and communication and she was often frustrated, but the manager and the team took time to help with this.
I live overseas and the communication was really good, they facilitated video

calls to us and were proactive about any changes.
Mum loved to get her hair and nails done and this was easy to organise.
The setting of the property is just lovely with views from every window.
Friends and family and four-legged friends were welcomed.
Staff were easy to talk to, everyone knew Mum and we were encouraged to contribute to the care plan.
When Mum died the care and communication were excellent.

Reply from David Kerr, Communications Team at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review of Alastrean. It's heartening to hear how happy you are with all aspects of your mother's care, how pleasant an environment you have found the home to be overall and the great level of attention paid to communication during her time at the home. I'll be sure to relay this lovely feedback to the team.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from Alison S (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 November 2023

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

On the whole Balhousie Alastrean is a lovely home set in great grounds for those who can appreciate them. The staff are friendly and helpful.

Reply from Anna Gunn, Communications Team at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for your kind review. We're so pleased to hear how friendly and helpful our staff have been and that you have been able to enjoy the beautiful grounds at Alastrean. We'll be sure to pass on your comments to the team.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from Maureen A (Resident) published on 25 October 2023

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My main complaint is the main meals, only two courses - soup only at lunchtime. I feel that the chef does not have the allowance to buy good quality meat and fish and he is disillusioned. Good food helps the body to recover and is very important.

Reply from Anna Gunn, Communications Team at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you very much for your review. All feedback is so appreciated and we are sorry to hear that you have been disappointed with the quality of the meal options. We understand this was immediately addressed by our Operations Manager and Hospitality Specialist. However, the Home Manager will be in touch to help with any concerns you have. Thank you again.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from D A (Next of Kin) published on 10 June 2022

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

As a visitor, I’m always welcomed and treated with courtesy. Staff are most helpful and always upbeat. My friend is very happy at Balhousie Alastrean Care Home and regards it as her home and family. She speaks about the staff in very positive terms and appreciates that they have jobs to get done in

her best interests. She enjoys the food on offer and comments that kitchen staff are willing to accommodate requests. I am always cheered to see how contented she is.

Reply from Melanie Brockway, Brand & Communications Executive at Alastrean Care Home

What a wonderful review! It means the world to us and our staff to hear how happy our residents are and that you, as a resident's visitor, are welcomed and looked after too. Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know that everything is as it should be for both your friend and your visit.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from Stewart G (Son of Resident) published on 25 April 2022

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The first review following my mother's move to Alastrean. The move was made under difficult circumstances but handled extremely well by the stand-in manager and care staff. Our early anxiety with the move was quickly replaced by relief when we noted how well she had settled in and how happy and content

she was with her surroundings and the attention given. Over the past few weeks, we have become more familiar with the visiting conditions and met more of the care staff who are all very friendly and professional - well done, and thanks to all the staff.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to give us a review. We're really happy to hear that your mother is settling in well. Will definitely pass this on to the team at Alastrean House.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from S A (Sister of Resident) published on 14 April 2022

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My experience is as a weekly visitor. I am not the principal member of the family who is responsible for our brother's care but support my younger brother who has PoA. I find the staff extremely caring and helpful when greeting us at the door and informing us of how my brother has been health-wise.

My brother appears happy, his personal care is excellent and the activities coordinator thinks of imaginative ways to engage with him.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for writing this review. We're delighted to hear this. Our staff, including activities teams, work hard to give person-centred attention to residents so they will be delighted with this feedback.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from June R (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 March 2022

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

During most difficult times during covid-19 and various storms from November 2021 until now, with power outages and fallen trees, the staff have never failed in their care and attention to my mother's needs. Despite being very busy, everyone is cheerful and willing to answer any queries. Such a lovely

place to live in beautiful surroundings. You should all be very proud of what you do.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for this lovely review. You're right, the power outages have been very challenging, but staff rose to the occasion brilliantly. Our lovely relatives helped too!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from Patricia F (Sister of Resident) published on 1 November 2021

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Care for my brother has been excellent. The staff are so caring and patient.
Reception for visitors was lovely and relaxing and the staff took time for us too.
A great place to be when care is so good.
Staff treat my brother with great kindness and dignity.
So glad he’s safe in these lovely surroundings.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you so much for this lovely review. It means the world to our hardworking staff at Alastrean. And yes, the surroundings are amazing!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from Isla F (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 16 June 2021

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My Granny moved to Balhousie Alastrean Care Home almost 8 months ago and, though it’s been a huge adjustment for her, as family, we have seen a big improvement in her wellbeing.
The carers and nurses look after her so well and, also reassure us as a family that, she is okay. I have been able to phone

any time and speak to her whenever I have asked, it’s never been an issue.
Knowing she is safe and cared for is a huge reassurance for us as a family.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for reviewing Alastrean, and we're so glad to hear your Granny has improved. Our care team will be delighted with your kind words.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from Claude J (Son of Resident) published on 14 April 2021

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother was at Balhousie Alastrean house, and the care that she received was second to none! The staff were always caring and professional and even in the Covid crisis, they took time to keep me and my family informed of how my mother was doing. They are truly a wonderful team.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, Claude. They really are a wonderful team, and we'll be sure to pass on your comments to them.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from Dawn S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 November 2020

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I think this is the best care home in Scotland. All the staff care deeply about the residents’ health, safety and happiness. The only problem is the laundry staff who don’t check pockets. Twice my father’s hearing aids have gone through the wash and once his shaver! Apart from this, I’d give Alastrean

top marks. My father is happy which is more important than anything. After all, it’s only stuff! People are what matter.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words. We're pleased to hear your father is happy there. Apologies for the laundry mistakes - this has been highlighted to staff.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from Jilly M (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2020

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Overall I'm very satisfied as long as there are no further changes in the boss! All staff are friendly, kind and do what they can in the hours given to them. Activities are not really encouraged and those offered are boring. What happened to painting and more creative things? The kitchen could do with

a shakeup, something that tastes.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for your review - we're glad your experience has been a happy one. We make sure to feed back all comments to staff, so will certainly make them aware of your comments on the activities. Many thanks again.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from Karen H (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 March 2019

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I have only been having dealings with Alastrean for 6 weeks, however, I find this home to be run in a very professional and friendly manner. Lovely, fresh environment set in a grand building with a history and decorated in a very contemporary manner. Beautiful landscaped gardens. All staff are very

friendly and helpful and have a caring disposition for the residents, which is extremely important. Various lounges all with good quality furniture. Even a pamper room, up to date equipment in the allocated bathrooms and excellent facilities available in each individual “flat” helping the residents make it feel like their home.

Reply from Louise Byars, Executive Manager to Tony Banks at Alastrean Care Home

Dear Karen
Thank you for your review of Alastrean House. I am delighted to hear you have been happy with the excellent care our team provide, as well as the facilities and equipment. I agree - it is a beautiful setting!
I'll ensure your comments are passed on to the team and hope to see you on your next visit.
Kind regards
Louise Byars - Executive Manager to Tony Banks

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from S J (Niece of Resident) published on 13 March 2019

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Balhousie Alastrean is clearly understaffed. I cast no aspersions on the care staff who have to prioritise resident safety. For example, on days of particular shortage, residents are kept in bed all day. The call bell typically goes unanswered for 10 minutes. In any 40 minute visit, the bell will be

operating 30+ minutes as one call follows another. On average, visitors wait 10 minutes to be let in. Other homes are better staffed and fees are lower - so it can be done. If there is an emergency, there is no resilience in the Alastrean system, so health and safety is an issue.

Reply from Louise Byars, Executive Manager to Tony Banks at Alastrean Care Home

I'm really sorry to hear about your experiences of Alastrean, which does not reflect the excellent standards of care we expect at Balhousie Care Group.
I will ensure your feedback is passed on our Head of Operations for investigation.
Kind regards
Louise Byars - Executive Manager to Tony Banks

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of
Alastrean Care Home
from Andrea (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 1 October 2018

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Myself and my daughters have been up to visit granny and granda on a few occasions and they are very happy so many things going on and it’s great as we have been able to get involved too!! The staff have all been friendly and helpful we look forward to visiting soon and see what’s happening.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Care Home Owned by BCG in Aberdeenshire

BCG Locations in Aberdeenshire (1)

BCG Reviews in Aberdeenshire (27)

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Alastrean Care Home

Awards / Recognitions (7)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Promote on carehome.co.uk

Search for

Care Seekers

Job Seekers