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Providing residential, dementia, nursing and palliative care, they also provide respite care breaks. These are ideal...
Located in a beautiful rural setting, with views over Westhill, Pitcairn Lodge is a home which is truly part of the local community. The team, many of whom have been with the home for over 10 years, are passionate about enriching the lives of their residents with activities and experiences which bring them joy.
Providing residential, dementia, nursing and palliative care, they also provide respite care breaks. These are ideal for family carers looking after loved ones at home, who would like to plan a short break themselves.
The community are embraced into life in the home, keeping those special connections alive. The team take the residents to churches they have gone to all their lives, as well as welcoming church groups into the home.
Local school and nursery children are regular visitors, joining in with activities and performing for the residents. There is a regular musical memories exercise group, a touring puppet theatre and therapy dogs. And the residents enjoy regular shopping trips, pub lunches and visits to community cafés.
The home has a large garden. This summer the residents have enjoyed growing their own produce in the raised beds, harvesting it for the chef to use in the kitchen.
Mealtimes are a real highlight of the day, with the home’s chef crowned winner of the regional Best Performing Chef award at Sanctuary Care’s MasterChef Conference. From delicious roast dinners with all the trimmings, to freshly baked cakes for afternoon tea.
There are welcoming lounges to enjoy activities and spend time with loved ones, who are welcome at any time. And there’s a private family and friends Facebook group, where families can see what their loved ones have been enjoying doing, even if they can’t be there in person.
A hairdresser visits twice a week for appointments with the residents in the home’s salon. And there are regular pamper sessions, with manicures and hand massages.
Care Provided by Pitcairn Lodge Nursing Home
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 55 Service Users
Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Palliative / End of Life Care
Facilities
- Near Public Transport
- Wheelchair Access
- Ground Floor Accommodation only
- Gardens
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
Contact Pitcairn Lodge Nursing Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Our weekly room fees are individual to each of our residents and are subject to a pre-admission assessment, which is required to understand the level of care and support needed. Our 2025 weekly room fees start from £1991, but may be more. This depends on your care needs and the type of bedroom that is right for you, from our standard rooms through to our premium bedroom options.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Pitcairn Lodge Nursing Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
Support you may be entitled to
- If you choose a care home based in Scotland, you may be eligible for the Scottish Government's Free Personal Care funding of up to £260.30 per week (if you are over the age of 65) and Free Nursing Care funding of up to £117.10 per week. This support is not reflected in this fee amount.
Tours
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Sanctuary Care Ltd
- Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Person in charge
- Ruth Witkowski (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: -1
- Last Refurbishment: 2023
- Number of floors: 1
Room Information
- Single Rooms (55)
Pitcairn Lodge Nursing Home Reviews (81)
Pitcairn Lodge Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.756) out of 10, based on 40 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Pitcairn Lodge Nursing Home has 81 reviews.
I visit my cousin who is a resident at this lovely care home. I always get a good welcome from the staff - always offer me a cup of tea. Place is always well kept - clean and tidy. What I notice most is that the staff are happy doing their job and there is always someone on hand to help the...
I visit my cousin who is a resident at this lovely care home. I always get a good welcome from the staff - always offer me a cup of tea. Place is always well kept - clean and tidy. What I notice most is that the staff are happy doing their job and there is always someone on hand to help the residents and also listen to any concerns I may have. The outside space/garden is beautiful. Most of all my cousin is happy and well looked after.
Dear Mary, thank you for such a lovely review - it is wonderful to hear how welcome both yourself and your cousin feel in our home. Best wishes.
All the staff are very welcoming and friendly.
My mum has been in the nursing home for 9 months and the change in her has been marvellous. She has thrived in Pitcairn, she is very settled and happy, she is eating very well and slowly putting...
All the staff are very welcoming and friendly.
My mum has been in the nursing home for 9 months and the change in her has been marvellous. She has thrived in Pitcairn, she is very settled and happy, she is eating very well and slowly putting on weight. She enjoys having a laugh with the staff.
Dear George, thank you for taking the time to review our home and for your kind words about our team. Best wishes, Fae.
The staff and management at Pitcairn Lodge are great they are well trained and know their role. They are very approachable and friendly. The home itself is absolutely fantastic especially the dementia garden. Great idea!
The staff and management at Pitcairn Lodge are great they are well trained and know their role. They are very approachable and friendly. The home itself is absolutely fantastic especially the dementia garden. Great idea!
Thank you for your kind words about our home and team. I agree the dementia garden is really lovely! I will be sure to pass your good feedback onto the manager and the team. Best wishes Fae
My mum has been a resident in Pitcairn Lodge for the past two years. It was a difficult decision but with the support of the manager and her team, my mum has continued to thrive. The staff interact with the residents constantly and there is a lot of laughter! The whole building has recently been...
My mum has been a resident in Pitcairn Lodge for the past two years. It was a difficult decision but with the support of the manager and her team, my mum has continued to thrive. The staff interact with the residents constantly and there is a lot of laughter! The whole building has recently been refurbished and the rooms and communal areas are bright and spacious. Pitcairn has a real home from home feel. I now consider all the staff at Pitcairn my mums extended family!
Dear Sandra, thank you for such a lovely review! We understand how difficult the transition into care can be for both our residents and their loved ones, so work tirelessly to ensure we make this easier on all involved so it is wonderful to hear how pleased you are! Best wishes, Fae
The pleasant entrance way and fresh looking corridors. Units are immaculate, as are the rooms.
The staff are all excellent, friendly, caring and genuinely helpful. Generally, my mother is as comfortable and happy as she could be in her circumstances. I too am comfortable she is in a kindly and...
The pleasant entrance way and fresh looking corridors. Units are immaculate, as are the rooms.
The staff are all excellent, friendly, caring and genuinely helpful. Generally, my mother is as comfortable and happy as she could be in her circumstances. I too am comfortable she is in a kindly and comfortable atmosphere where she will be looked after with care and responsibility.
Thank you for your kind words, they are much appreciated! I will be sure to pass your comments onto Will the home manager. Many Thanks, Fae
We could not ask for any more effort from staff or management.
We could not ask for any more effort from staff or management.
Dear Gary, thank you for such an excellent review and for taking the time to review our home. The team will really appreciate your kind words. Best wishes, Fae.
She has gone from strength to strength since she has been in Pitcairn Lodge. She has put on weight and enjoys the company. I couldn't recommend Pitcairn Lodge enough.
She has gone from strength to strength since she has been in Pitcairn Lodge. She has put on weight and enjoys the company. I couldn't recommend Pitcairn Lodge enough.
Dear Kathleen, thank you for such kind words. Our staff really appreciate your feedback. Best wishes, Fae.
The best practice demonstrated in this home should be replicated countrywide. More relatives would then be assured that their parent/spouse will be cared for with respect and consideration. It is well organised and attractive to visit. The carers give this home a sense of professionalism with a...
The best practice demonstrated in this home should be replicated countrywide. More relatives would then be assured that their parent/spouse will be cared for with respect and consideration. It is well organised and attractive to visit. The carers give this home a sense of professionalism with a deeply caring attitude which allows the relatives to feel confident leaving the residents in there care.
Dear Sandra, thank you for taking the time to review our home and for such kind words. Your feedback is invaluable to our potential residents' and their loved ones seeking care. Best wishes, Fae.
The activities since his entry have been well managed and varied.
The home itself now that the decoration is complete is in good order and always well presented.
The activities since his entry have been well managed and varied.
The home itself now that the decoration is complete is in good order and always well presented.
Dear Derek, thank you for your kind words, it is so wonderful to hear how well you see your uncle to be cared for. Having been there myself, I agree Pitcairn is a beautifully presented home. I will be sure to pass your feedback onto Moira and the team. Many Thanks, Fae.
Initial visit: Warm, friendly welcome. Every staff member addressed the patient as well as the carer. No odour as is common in care homes for the elderly! The manager took the time to show us around herself and the patient was shown to the room he would occupy when refurbishment completed. Saw...
Admission: Arrived before lunch so immediately other to talk to at the table. Room pleasant, light and airy with convenient ensuite facilities. Spotlessly clean and encouraged visits out with family and friends. Encourage independence to the level normal at home with appropriate supervision - eg when showering. The patient would be happy to have a further 'respite' visit in the future and I have no concerns whatsoever about his stay. The family were equally impressed.
My mother was a resident at Kirkhill House and Pitcairn Lodge for five years until her passing on 19th February this year. The overall care she received was excellent. She was always dressed nicely in her own clothes on and her hair done, which was very important to us. She spent all her days in...
My mother was a resident at Kirkhill House and Pitcairn Lodge for five years until her passing on 19th February this year. The overall care she received was excellent. She was always dressed nicely in her own clothes on and her hair done, which was very important to us. She spent all her days in her chair in the day room watching the television and joining in with all the activities. In particular, she loved to sing and despite her illness, she was word perfect with all the old songs that were popular many years ago. We would like to thank all the staff for the care she received and in particular, the night staff in her final days who kept my sister and I company right to the end.
Pitcairn Lodge is most convenient in its planning of corridors and rooms, easily accessible for all patients, careers and wheelchairs alike. This is combined with a very friendly and homely atmosphere within the home. Special occasions, birthdays etc are noted and celebrated. Visitors are made very...
Pitcairn Lodge is most convenient in its planning of corridors and rooms, easily accessible for all patients, careers and wheelchairs alike. This is combined with a very friendly and homely atmosphere within the home. Special occasions, birthdays etc are noted and celebrated. Visitors are made very welcome. Cleanliness seems to be paramount. Activities for patients are carried out most days.
My Mum was in Pitcairn from June 2016 until her recent passing. From her first day there, staff encouraged my Mum to be herself, allowing her to garden, sweep up, lay tables, fold towels, all very small things but essential to making residents feel valued and that they are making a contribution....
My Mum was in Pitcairn from June 2016 until her recent passing. From her first day there, staff encouraged my Mum to be herself, allowing her to garden, sweep up, lay tables, fold towels, all very small things but essential to making residents feel valued and that they are making a contribution. The staff very quickly picked up on her character and noticed mood changes and that her medication might need changed and would then have the Doctor check on her.
Mums condition deteriorated rapidly and she would often need reassurance and this was always given usually accompanied by a hug from the staff. All the staff in the home whatever role they perform are professional, knowledgeable, kind and committed. Theirs is not an easy profession but Pitcairn was the best place she could have stayed, and I had looked at a large number of alternative homes.
The staff ensured that Mums passing was peaceful, pain-free and above all, she was always treated with respect and dignity.
Our dad has been a resident at Pitcairn Lodge since March 2016. The Dementia journey is difficult for any family but we are very well supported by Moira and the entire staff at Pitcairn who have worked with us to provide dad with the best possible care. As a family, we are very active in dad's care...
Our dad has been a resident at Pitcairn Lodge since March 2016. The Dementia journey is difficult for any family but we are very well supported by Moira and the entire staff at Pitcairn who have worked with us to provide dad with the best possible care. As a family, we are very active in dad's care and are kept well informed about any changes to dad's condition and the home in general, with staff constantly thinking of ways to improve the service. A warm welcome is always extended by members of staff when we visit and there are interesting activities or entertainment provided most days which residents and their guests can participate in if they choose to do so. Sincere thanks to all at Pitcairn for their hard work and dedication.
My Dad came to the home when his illness became terminal. The staff were amazing & treated him with the first class care he needed. His leg ulcers he had for over 20 years healed within 6 months with the proper care and attention given. Pitcairn Lodge is well kept inside and out and my Dad loved...
When he passed away staff were so supportive and I even received a sympathy card and some staff attended his funeral.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Pitcairn to friends or use it again for any other family members needing full-time care.
Thank you so much for all the care you gave my Dad during his last final months.
My aunt is very happy in the care home. She has a lovely room and is well cared for. She enjoys the food and there is lots of entertainment. The staff are very good at keeping us up to date with my aunt's medical issues.
My aunt is very happy in the care home. She has a lovely room and is well cared for. She enjoys the food and there is lots of entertainment. The staff are very good at keeping us up to date with my aunt's medical issues.
My mum was a resident of Pitcairn for almost three years and was very happy and content living there. She thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment especially if it was musical. The recent addition of the dementia garden and the sensory room is a tribute to the management and staff for always thinking...
My mum was a resident of Pitcairn for almost three years and was very happy and content living there. She thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment especially if it was musical. The recent addition of the dementia garden and the sensory room is a tribute to the management and staff for always thinking of ways to improve the home for the benefit of the residents. During mum's final weeks at the home, I can honestly say that the care and attention she received was excellent and was more personal and caring than she would have received if she had stayed in hospital. The management and staff were very professional and caring and not only looked after mum but also took the time to support me through a very difficult time. No one wants their loved one to live in a care home but when the time comes that this is the only option then I would have no hesitation in recommending Pitcairn.
Didn't find the staff very friendly whenever I visited my grandma. Home is very dated, seemed to be a lack of staff to care for the residents, numerous items of clothing went missing. Room always looked like hadn't been cleaned nor floor hoovered. Definitely, wouldn't recommend.
Didn't find the staff very friendly whenever I visited my grandma. Home is very dated, seemed to be a lack of staff to care for the residents, numerous items of clothing went missing. Room always looked like hadn't been cleaned nor floor hoovered. Definitely, wouldn't recommend.
The management openly welcomes concerns, complaints and compliments, if these are brought to the attention of the management these would be dealt with promptly and appropriately, to ensure the quality of our service.
We are very happy with the care my brother receives which in turn makes it easier for us knowing he is relaxed and content and happy in his surroundings and tends to...
We are very happy with the care my brother receives which in turn makes it easier for us knowing he is relaxed and content and happy in his surroundings and tends to recognise the staff.
Recently they completed a dementia garden which I'm sure some of the residents like to wander about in and enjoy the tranquillity and peace.
They also have musical afternoons which I know they thoroughly enjoy as I hear them singing along to the songs.
The food is also very good and the rooms are a good size and well furnished.
We have seen an improvement since the new management team took over which can only be for the good, so well done all.
As a church visitor, I have always found a very warm welcome at Pitcairn from all the staff members. As a daughter-in-law of a former resident: from the first meeting with the manager and secretary, we were made so welcome. My mother in law was very well cared for in all respects, it was just a...
As a church visitor, I have always found a very warm welcome at Pitcairn from all the staff members. As a daughter-in-law of a former resident: from the first meeting with the manager and secretary, we were made so welcome. My mother in law was very well cared for in all respects, it was just a pity she didn't have more time there. All the staff that we met could not be nicer.
Regulatory Rating
Care Inspectorate (CI) Rating
Date: 26 February 2026- How well do we support people's wellbeing?Good
(4)
- How good is our leadership?Very Good
(5)
- How good is our staff team?Very Good
(5)
- How good is our setting?Very Good
(5)
- How well is care and support planned?Very Good
(5)
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (4) & Events (0)
- 10 Jun 2026
The team and residents at our care home in Westhill are celebrating a glowing Care Inspectorate (CI) report. Pitcairn Lodge Nursing Home has received stand-out ‘Very Good’ ratings in its...
- 01 Jul 2025
Meanwhile at Pitcairn Lodge Nursing Home in Westhill, the residents loved their time in Africa, where the residents enjoyed authentic cuisine like Puff Puff, a delicious Nigerian deep fried sweet...
- 13 Mar 2025
To celebrate the 90th birthday of The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, residents across three Scottish care homes laced up their blue suede shoes for an unforgettable Elvis revival party....
There are no upcoming events for Pitcairn Lodge Nursing Home.
Awards / Recognitions (10)
- 21 Jul 2026Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Pitcairn Lodge Nursing Home.
Meet the Team (3)

Ruth is the Home Manager at Pitcairn Lodge and has been part of the home since 2009. Her career in care began when she was just 16, when her dad, who...
Ruth is the Home Manager at Pitcairn Lodge and has been part of the home since 2009. Her career in care began when she was just 16, when her dad, who also now works for Sanctuary, helped her get an evening job washing dishes at Pitcairn. Although she was unsure at first, Ruth quickly grew to love spending time with the residents and the atmosphere of the home, progressing from the kitchen to working as a domestic and then as a carer.
Her passion for care inspired her to complete an Adult Nursing degree and build her clinical experience across a variety of settings, including community nursing, ENT, respiratory medicine, emergency theatres and care of older people. She also worked as an agency nurse in nursing homes across the north east of Scotland before continuing her career at Pitcairn, where she spent ten years working in the home’s dementia unit.
Ruth became Deputy Manager in 2023 before progressing to Home Manager in November 2024. She is passionate about leading by example and creating a home where things are done properly and fairly, while supporting colleagues to learn and develop. Ruth has completed the Best Practice in Dementia Facilitator course through Stirling University and has since supported more than 20 colleagues through the six-month programme. She has also completed the European Certificate in Essential Palliative Care with Princess Alice Hospice, reflecting her particular passion for delivering high standards of palliative care.
One of Ruth’s proudest recent achievements was seeing Pitcairn Lodge named Best Performing Home for the Scotland North directorate in December 2025, recognising the hard work of the team and the changes they had made over the previous year. What Ruth values most about care, though, is the people. She loves getting to know residents, hearing their stories and understanding what makes each person unique.
Outside of work, Ruth loves travelling and has visited destinations including Poland, Florida, New York, Iceland, Croatia, Spain, Hungary, Turkey, Greece and Paris. Having spent ten years learning Polish, inspired by her Polish husband, she says the experience has given her an even greater respect for colleagues who speak more than one language. These days, she also enjoys camping so that her much-loved Bedlington Terrier, Isa, can come along too.
When choosing a care home for a loved one, Ruth’s advice is simple: ask plenty of questions, visit more than once and, if possible, attend an event or activity. It’s a great way to experience the home for yourself and get a genuine feel for its people and atmosphere.
What I changed: I’ve kept all the strongest details from Ruth’s answers but turned them into a warmer, flowing profile rather than a Q&A. I’ve also put more emphasis on her progression within Pitcairn, from washing dishes at 16 to becoming Home Manager, as that gives her profile a really strong personal story.

Elaine is the Deputy Manager at Pitcairn Lodge, bringing over 30 years of nursing experience to her role. She began her healthcare journey as a bank...
Elaine is the Deputy Manager at Pitcairn Lodge, bringing over 30 years of nursing experience to her role. She began her healthcare journey as a bank auxiliary at Maidencraig, a neuro rehabilitation unit, where she discovered her passion for nursing and went on to complete her training. Elaine has since built a diverse clinical background across neurology, stroke care, and care of the elderly.
Her career has included leadership positions such as Deputy Manager and later Manager of a nursing home in Aberdeen. She also gained valuable international experience while living in Dubai, where she managed a residential home for children with learning disabilities. Notably, Elaine was headhunted shortly after qualifying for a senior nurse role - an early recognition of her dedication and skill.
For the past four years at Pitcairn Lodge, Elaine has played a key role in the management team, helping to guide the home from strength to strength. She is known for her caring attitude, something she credits to inspiration from a nurse named Nancy Annal, who motivated her to pursue nursing from a young age.
Elaine thrives on the variety each day brings and values the strong relationships she builds with residents, their families, and colleagues. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, her twin 17-year-old sons, who both work as bank domestic assistants for Sanctuary, and her lively 10-year-old daughter. She also loves hosting gatherings, travelling during the summer, and relaxing with a good book.
From her extensive experience, Elaine believes that the atmosphere of a home is something you feel the moment you walk in, shaped by its management, staff, and residents alike.

Gillian has worked in health and social care for around 20 years, with her career beginning at Pitcairn Lodge Nursing Home, where her mum was working...
Gillian has worked in health and social care for around 20 years, with her career beginning at Pitcairn Lodge Nursing Home, where her mum was working as a carer at the time.
Starting out as a Kitchen Porter, Gillian soon discovered a passion for working in care. Over the years, she has taken on a variety of roles, including working as a domestic and carer, before becoming a Wellbeing & Lifestyle Coordinator. She has worked on and off at Pitcairn Lodge for around 15 years, including approximately six or seven years with Sanctuary Care.
Gillian’s experience has also taken her much further afield. While living in Australia, she worked as a Personal Care Assistant at Shenton Park Hospital in Perth, a rehabilitation hospital where she gained experience across a wide range of areas, including spinal and brain injuries, stroke rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, pre-operative care and intensive care. She also worked at Royal Perth Hospital, where A&E and theatres were among her favourite areas.
Today, Gillian loves having the freedom to be creative in her role and to provide meaningful activities, experiences and special days out for the residents at Pitcairn Lodge. For her, one of the best things about working in care is that everyone is different and no two days are ever the same.
Rather than focusing on big milestones, Gillian is particularly proud of the small wins that make a real difference to people’s lives and the fantastic relationships she has built with residents, their families and her colleagues over the years.
Outside of work, Gillian says her biggest achievement is her children. When she isn’t spending time with her family, she enjoys trips out with the kids and going to heavy metal gigs with her partner.
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