Submit a Review for Cairdean House
185 Redford Road, Colinton, Edinburgh, EH13 9PN
View full details of Cairdean HouseLatest Reviews for Cairdean House
28 January 2026
My dad who is 99 has mixed Alzheimer's and Dementia. He was living at home with help from carers. He recently spent 8 weeks in hospital, where his condition deteriorated, so it was decided the best move would be to a care home. We visited 4 care homes, and Cairdean was our first choice. They
also had a space for dad, who moved in on Boxing Day 2025.
Dad is quite happy in the care home, sadly he doesn't want to engage too much, and sleeps most of the day. However, staff are always attendant, looking after his needs, and make an effort to try and encourage him to get up and moving.
I am extremely happy with the care received in the care home. All the staff are lovely, kind, attentive, and engaging. Some have also previously known dad whilst working as carers before employment in the care home.
20 January 2026
Mum's life changed overnight after Dad passed away. She was no longer able to stay at home due to her early stage dementia. We visited many residential care home to find a suitable place for her to move to. The most important factor was to find a home that was happy and busy with lots of organized
activities, to keep mum occupied. Cairdean stood head and shoulders above all the others we viewed. The facilities and staff were lovely, the slate of activities was interesting and varied. Mum has now been there nearly a month, and has settled in very well thanks to the caring staff. She is kept very busy, which is key as the last thing we wanted was for her to be left alone, missing Dad's company. The onboarding process, headed by Leona, was excellent and made the whole transition so much easier.
22 December 2025
My wife's dementia was accelerating and it was becoming increasingly difficult to look after her at home, even with the help of visiting carers. So I booked her into Cairdean. I took her there in my car and was met at the front door by staff with a wheel chair. We were taken to her very well
appointed room. She was given a most comfortable reclining wheelchair so it is now easy to move her around the home. The staff are so kind and caring, not only to my wife but also to me. The facilities are first rate, with a comfortable cafe where a wide range of activities is laid on. Visiting singers, a Christmas party and other entertainment. The food is exceptional, enticing menus for lunch and dinner - they even allow me to partake! I am also being given a Christmas meal with my wife on the day. It was a wrench for me to see my wife depart our home, but I am very happy she is now in the right place. Wonderful caring staff, excellent facilities, great food, lovely for my wife and for me also.
29 October 2025
Mum went to Cairdean for 2 weeks respite. This was our first experience of using a care home for respite. The staff made the process really easy, from giving us information and answering any questions we had. It was really helpful to be able to visit the care home first. No obligation or pushy sales
which was really appreciated. What appealed to me about Cairdean was the amount and variety of activities on offer 7 days a week, I knew that would help mum feel settled and have an enjoyable stay. The staff were exceptionally caring and very skilled in supporting someone with dementia. Cairdean's management team were very involved and supportive, they had great advice on how to prepare for respite. We all felt very supported and seen. It was particularly helpful to be able to use the onsite cafe area when visiting mum, it made our visit very relaxed and the cakes were fabulous!!! I cannot thank the Cairdean staff enough for caring for mum, would highly recommend.
21 October 2025
Our interactions with Cairdean were excellent from the very first conversation. The home itself is magnificent: from Dad's room to the lounge, to the cafe, to the gardens, to the extensive activity schedule, we couldn't have asked for more. The staff are terrific too: they ensured Dad settled
quickly, and have looked after him incredibly well since. He is safe, he is well looked after, and he is happy in his new home!
But it doesn't stop there: the period leading up to Dad being admitted to Cairdean was unsettling for the family, particularly Mum, who was going through all the emotions of guilt, of sadness, of feeling that she had let Dad down. It was a difficult time, but the staff have been very mindful of the impact on loved ones, and Mum has settled into her new way of life too with the support and encouragement of staff. Cairdean has enabled Mum to be a wife again, rather than being a carer for Dad, and you can't put a value on that!
I can't recommend Cairdean highly enough.
29 September 2025
We looked at a number of homes and Cairdean was different class. It is very relaxed, and extremely friendly. The way they deal with the stress and anxiety (for all parties) of moving into a home is first class. They could not do enough to make my Mother feel that this is her residence, and she has
so much freedom to do as much or as little as she wants. The culture in Cairdean is just so relaxed and caring, and the schedule of activities is extensive. Management are always visible and very approachable and will do everything possible to ensure residents are genuinely happy. It is a lovely environment with access to several gardens and huge sunny lounges and cafes. My Mother has so many visitors who are made very welcome and love to visit her there.
23 September 2025
My Aunt had a great respite stay at Cairdean House in Edinburgh. She spent 2 weeks there while repairs were being carried out to her home. The staff were fantastic and made her feel very well looked after. The only issue we had was with her medication; it was very difficult to arrange medication
from my Aunt's GP that met Cairdean's needs. Cairdean were unable to accept her normal (weekly) dosette box so we were asked to provide unopened packs of individual tablets. This was tricky as her dose of one tablet is 1/2 per day. This ultimately resulted in a shortage of that particular tablet, however Cairdean managed to resolve the shortage after I wasn't able to resolve with my Aunt's GP.
There were lots of activities at Cairdean House but my Aunt has very poor sight so couldn't attend any without being escorted by staff. She was therefore reluctant to participate as she didn't want to bother the staff. Perhaps a wee bit more encouragement from staff might have helped but not a criticism.
26 August 2025
Needed to send my mum for respite care while I went on holiday. I Googled and read reviews, visited only 2 and Cairdean stood out by a mile. The initial meeting was great, really informative but in a relaxed way.
The staff were compassionate, professional, and genuinely cared for her well-being.
It gave me a much-needed break, allowing me to recharge and come back to caregiving with renewed energy and patience. The peace of mind knowing she's was in good hands was invaluable. I highly recommend their respite services to anyone in need of support.
My mum really didn't want to leave!
21 July 2025
I recently had to start the process of looking for permanent residential care for my husband.
I visited a number of care homes around the Edinburgh area before selecting Cairdean House. It was easily my first choice.
The 'feeling' that I had from the various visits I made prior to making the
decision to move my husband into the home, went a long way to giving me comfort that I had made the right decision.
All of the staff that I have encountered both during the initial visits and since my husband became a resident have been extremely professional and friendly. A particular member of staff made the whole process streamless and easy, and was always available to answer any questions that I had from the outset.
My husband has settled in so well, and the way that he has adapted to his new home is comforting to us as a family.
I can't recommend Cairdean House enough.
15 May 2025
A thank you to the full team Cairdean (activities, nurses, carers, catering, facilities, management) who put on the VE day party yesterday - everything was thought off and it was clearly appreciated by all who took part, which is also timely with regard to the very appropriate staff appreciation
notices and events last week.
08 May 2025
I viewed a number of private care homes in south edinburgh and Cairdean was my first choice for my dad. He has only been living there for 2 weeks and already he is happy, as if he has lived there forever. The entire emotionally exhausting experience was made so much easier by the staff who made my
dad and myself feel welcome and supported. From our initial show around to now, the staff have been brilliant. Smiling, empathetic, happy and above all else....kind.
Cairdean is such a happy environment.
I feel confident and immense relief that dad is happy and safe there.
07 May 2025
What visiting cairdean nursing home? I have received amazing Help from the business administrator and all of the nursing reception management staff nothing is a bother and they can't do enough to assist me. Thank you to everybody for making me feel so welcome today and my small assistance, animal
whilst I was on site today I look forward greatly to coming back to seeing the team cairdean
07 May 2025
Our friend and neighbour moved to Cairdean House last July. The property looked lovely and the staff we met were very friendly and explained everything to us about life in CH. Our friend moved in and since the first day her life has improved immeasurably. The staff are wonderful, not just one or
two, every member of staff is friendly, helpful and always prepared to answer any questions we have. We visit our friend twice a week and we know so many staff by their first names. The weekly activity programme is excellent. The quality of the food is of a high standard, and the menu changes every day. The ratio of staff to residents is very good, and the place is always spotlessly clean.
Since our friend moved to CH last July, we have not found one thing to criticise. I would recommend CH to anyone. We no longer have to worry about her, as we know she is in a safe environment and being looked after by caring staff.
01 May 2025
I moved my friend to Cairdean House six months ago. Having reviewed many care homes Cairdean House was my choice. The friendly staff and the wonderful activity provided made it the obvious choice. In the six months that my friend has spent in Cairdean I am happy to say that she has settled in very
happily.
25 April 2025
Mum moved into Cairdean at the end of January & is still settling in, no fault of the staff but it is a very difficult time for her.
A family lunch in the fine dining was beautifully catered for & enjoyed by all.
Admission went well & the lady was very helpful allowing us to put things in her
room before she arrived from hospital.
A wide range of activities are available, which Mum enjoys & the hair salon is a plus.
We are given weekly schedules which allow us to plan when to visit.
09 April 2025
Since her admission on 10th December 2024 Mum has found it a bit difficult to settle in but I think we are now beginning to see some progress. It has been a difficult time for her but, for the most part, has not been the fault of Cairdean who, when made aware of the situation, have made every effort
to improve things. On the whole, we, as relatives, have found Cairdean to be spacious and welcoming with the staff being very approachable and friendly.
18 February 2025
I am extremely pleased with the way he has settled at Cairdean and I feel it is due to the care and attention he has received from all staff especially his immediate team of carers and also due to the comfortable and stimulating surroundings.
22 January 2025
I was impressed by Cairdean House from my initial visit. I like the way it is organised in small units. My aunt has settled well and I have been kept well informed of her care.
The home has a lovely family atmosphere,and staff are welcoming, caring and attentive.
07 January 2025
When I first visited Cairdean House with my mother in October, we were immediately impressed by the friendliness of the staff and the atmosphere of the home. As there was a room available that was suitable for her, the move in process was quick and straightforward.
Since moving in, she has settled
in well. She loves all the staff and has become friendly with several of the residents. She hadn't been able to go out very much in the last couple of years and was very lonely. She seems much happier now.
There was a minor issue with the food. She complained about the quality and the portion size. When it was brought to the staff's attention, they dealt with it quickly. She now seems to have fewer complaints about the food.
I can't fault the cleanliness of the home. Everything is always spotless and very tidy.
The most important thing to me is that I know my mum is comfortable, safe and being well looked after.
17 December 2024
My mother is a new resident at Cairdean House.
As someone who has always been protective of her privacy and independence, it was not an easy move for her to make.
The sensitivity and understanding of the Cairdean staff - both management and care staff - was instrumental in reassuring my mother and
myself that the move was the right one. This included a 2 week trial stay.
On moving permanently, mum was initially unhappy with the noise near her newly allocated room. When this was raised, she was moved to a new room. This was done promptly and readily by Cairdean management recognising an opportunity to show my mother that her comfort was paramount.
Since my mother has become a resident at Cairdean, I see her building new relationships with staff and residents, growing in confidence in her new environment that is empowering and stimulating for her - which is wonderful to see.
Latest Reviews for Cairdean House
28 January 2026
My dad who is 99 has mixed Alzheimer's and Dementia. He was living at home with help from carers. He recently spent 8 weeks in hospital, where his condition deteriorated, so it was decided the best move would be to a care home. We visited 4 care homes, and Cairdean was our first choice. They
also had a space for dad, who moved in on Boxing Day 2025.
Dad is quite happy in the care home, sadly he doesn't want to engage too much, and sleeps most of the day. However, staff are always attendant, looking after his needs, and make an effort to try and encourage him to get up and moving.
I am extremely happy with the care received in the care home. All the staff are lovely, kind, attentive, and engaging. Some have also previously known dad whilst working as carers before employment in the care home.
20 January 2026
Mum's life changed overnight after Dad passed away. She was no longer able to stay at home due to her early stage dementia. We visited many residential care home to find a suitable place for her to move to. The most important factor was to find a home that was happy and busy with lots of organized
activities, to keep mum occupied. Cairdean stood head and shoulders above all the others we viewed. The facilities and staff were lovely, the slate of activities was interesting and varied. Mum has now been there nearly a month, and has settled in very well thanks to the caring staff. She is kept very busy, which is key as the last thing we wanted was for her to be left alone, missing Dad's company. The onboarding process, headed by Leona, was excellent and made the whole transition so much easier.
22 December 2025
My wife's dementia was accelerating and it was becoming increasingly difficult to look after her at home, even with the help of visiting carers. So I booked her into Cairdean. I took her there in my car and was met at the front door by staff with a wheel chair. We were taken to her very well
appointed room. She was given a most comfortable reclining wheelchair so it is now easy to move her around the home. The staff are so kind and caring, not only to my wife but also to me. The facilities are first rate, with a comfortable cafe where a wide range of activities is laid on. Visiting singers, a Christmas party and other entertainment. The food is exceptional, enticing menus for lunch and dinner - they even allow me to partake! I am also being given a Christmas meal with my wife on the day. It was a wrench for me to see my wife depart our home, but I am very happy she is now in the right place. Wonderful caring staff, excellent facilities, great food, lovely for my wife and for me also.
29 October 2025
Mum went to Cairdean for 2 weeks respite. This was our first experience of using a care home for respite. The staff made the process really easy, from giving us information and answering any questions we had. It was really helpful to be able to visit the care home first. No obligation or pushy sales
which was really appreciated. What appealed to me about Cairdean was the amount and variety of activities on offer 7 days a week, I knew that would help mum feel settled and have an enjoyable stay. The staff were exceptionally caring and very skilled in supporting someone with dementia. Cairdean's management team were very involved and supportive, they had great advice on how to prepare for respite. We all felt very supported and seen. It was particularly helpful to be able to use the onsite cafe area when visiting mum, it made our visit very relaxed and the cakes were fabulous!!! I cannot thank the Cairdean staff enough for caring for mum, would highly recommend.
21 October 2025
Our interactions with Cairdean were excellent from the very first conversation. The home itself is magnificent: from Dad's room to the lounge, to the cafe, to the gardens, to the extensive activity schedule, we couldn't have asked for more. The staff are terrific too: they ensured Dad settled
quickly, and have looked after him incredibly well since. He is safe, he is well looked after, and he is happy in his new home!
But it doesn't stop there: the period leading up to Dad being admitted to Cairdean was unsettling for the family, particularly Mum, who was going through all the emotions of guilt, of sadness, of feeling that she had let Dad down. It was a difficult time, but the staff have been very mindful of the impact on loved ones, and Mum has settled into her new way of life too with the support and encouragement of staff. Cairdean has enabled Mum to be a wife again, rather than being a carer for Dad, and you can't put a value on that!
I can't recommend Cairdean highly enough.
29 September 2025
We looked at a number of homes and Cairdean was different class. It is very relaxed, and extremely friendly. The way they deal with the stress and anxiety (for all parties) of moving into a home is first class. They could not do enough to make my Mother feel that this is her residence, and she has
so much freedom to do as much or as little as she wants. The culture in Cairdean is just so relaxed and caring, and the schedule of activities is extensive. Management are always visible and very approachable and will do everything possible to ensure residents are genuinely happy. It is a lovely environment with access to several gardens and huge sunny lounges and cafes. My Mother has so many visitors who are made very welcome and love to visit her there.
23 September 2025
My Aunt had a great respite stay at Cairdean House in Edinburgh. She spent 2 weeks there while repairs were being carried out to her home. The staff were fantastic and made her feel very well looked after. The only issue we had was with her medication; it was very difficult to arrange medication
from my Aunt's GP that met Cairdean's needs. Cairdean were unable to accept her normal (weekly) dosette box so we were asked to provide unopened packs of individual tablets. This was tricky as her dose of one tablet is 1/2 per day. This ultimately resulted in a shortage of that particular tablet, however Cairdean managed to resolve the shortage after I wasn't able to resolve with my Aunt's GP.
There were lots of activities at Cairdean House but my Aunt has very poor sight so couldn't attend any without being escorted by staff. She was therefore reluctant to participate as she didn't want to bother the staff. Perhaps a wee bit more encouragement from staff might have helped but not a criticism.
26 August 2025
Needed to send my mum for respite care while I went on holiday. I Googled and read reviews, visited only 2 and Cairdean stood out by a mile. The initial meeting was great, really informative but in a relaxed way.
The staff were compassionate, professional, and genuinely cared for her well-being.
It gave me a much-needed break, allowing me to recharge and come back to caregiving with renewed energy and patience. The peace of mind knowing she's was in good hands was invaluable. I highly recommend their respite services to anyone in need of support.
My mum really didn't want to leave!
21 July 2025
I recently had to start the process of looking for permanent residential care for my husband.
I visited a number of care homes around the Edinburgh area before selecting Cairdean House. It was easily my first choice.
The 'feeling' that I had from the various visits I made prior to making the
decision to move my husband into the home, went a long way to giving me comfort that I had made the right decision.
All of the staff that I have encountered both during the initial visits and since my husband became a resident have been extremely professional and friendly. A particular member of staff made the whole process streamless and easy, and was always available to answer any questions that I had from the outset.
My husband has settled in so well, and the way that he has adapted to his new home is comforting to us as a family.
I can't recommend Cairdean House enough.
15 May 2025
A thank you to the full team Cairdean (activities, nurses, carers, catering, facilities, management) who put on the VE day party yesterday - everything was thought off and it was clearly appreciated by all who took part, which is also timely with regard to the very appropriate staff appreciation
notices and events last week.
08 May 2025
I viewed a number of private care homes in south edinburgh and Cairdean was my first choice for my dad. He has only been living there for 2 weeks and already he is happy, as if he has lived there forever. The entire emotionally exhausting experience was made so much easier by the staff who made my
dad and myself feel welcome and supported. From our initial show around to now, the staff have been brilliant. Smiling, empathetic, happy and above all else....kind.
Cairdean is such a happy environment.
I feel confident and immense relief that dad is happy and safe there.
07 May 2025
What visiting cairdean nursing home? I have received amazing Help from the business administrator and all of the nursing reception management staff nothing is a bother and they can't do enough to assist me. Thank you to everybody for making me feel so welcome today and my small assistance, animal
whilst I was on site today I look forward greatly to coming back to seeing the team cairdean
07 May 2025
Our friend and neighbour moved to Cairdean House last July. The property looked lovely and the staff we met were very friendly and explained everything to us about life in CH. Our friend moved in and since the first day her life has improved immeasurably. The staff are wonderful, not just one or
two, every member of staff is friendly, helpful and always prepared to answer any questions we have. We visit our friend twice a week and we know so many staff by their first names. The weekly activity programme is excellent. The quality of the food is of a high standard, and the menu changes every day. The ratio of staff to residents is very good, and the place is always spotlessly clean.
Since our friend moved to CH last July, we have not found one thing to criticise. I would recommend CH to anyone. We no longer have to worry about her, as we know she is in a safe environment and being looked after by caring staff.
01 May 2025
I moved my friend to Cairdean House six months ago. Having reviewed many care homes Cairdean House was my choice. The friendly staff and the wonderful activity provided made it the obvious choice. In the six months that my friend has spent in Cairdean I am happy to say that she has settled in very
happily.
25 April 2025
Mum moved into Cairdean at the end of January & is still settling in, no fault of the staff but it is a very difficult time for her.
A family lunch in the fine dining was beautifully catered for & enjoyed by all.
Admission went well & the lady was very helpful allowing us to put things in her
room before she arrived from hospital.
A wide range of activities are available, which Mum enjoys & the hair salon is a plus.
We are given weekly schedules which allow us to plan when to visit.
09 April 2025
Since her admission on 10th December 2024 Mum has found it a bit difficult to settle in but I think we are now beginning to see some progress. It has been a difficult time for her but, for the most part, has not been the fault of Cairdean who, when made aware of the situation, have made every effort
to improve things. On the whole, we, as relatives, have found Cairdean to be spacious and welcoming with the staff being very approachable and friendly.
18 February 2025
I am extremely pleased with the way he has settled at Cairdean and I feel it is due to the care and attention he has received from all staff especially his immediate team of carers and also due to the comfortable and stimulating surroundings.
22 January 2025
I was impressed by Cairdean House from my initial visit. I like the way it is organised in small units. My aunt has settled well and I have been kept well informed of her care.
The home has a lovely family atmosphere,and staff are welcoming, caring and attentive.
07 January 2025
When I first visited Cairdean House with my mother in October, we were immediately impressed by the friendliness of the staff and the atmosphere of the home. As there was a room available that was suitable for her, the move in process was quick and straightforward.
Since moving in, she has settled
in well. She loves all the staff and has become friendly with several of the residents. She hadn't been able to go out very much in the last couple of years and was very lonely. She seems much happier now.
There was a minor issue with the food. She complained about the quality and the portion size. When it was brought to the staff's attention, they dealt with it quickly. She now seems to have fewer complaints about the food.
I can't fault the cleanliness of the home. Everything is always spotless and very tidy.
The most important thing to me is that I know my mum is comfortable, safe and being well looked after.
17 December 2024
My mother is a new resident at Cairdean House.
As someone who has always been protective of her privacy and independence, it was not an easy move for her to make.
The sensitivity and understanding of the Cairdean staff - both management and care staff - was instrumental in reassuring my mother and
myself that the move was the right one. This included a 2 week trial stay.
On moving permanently, mum was initially unhappy with the noise near her newly allocated room. When this was raised, she was moved to a new room. This was done promptly and readily by Cairdean management recognising an opportunity to show my mother that her comfort was paramount.
Since my mother has become a resident at Cairdean, I see her building new relationships with staff and residents, growing in confidence in her new environment that is empowering and stimulating for her - which is wonderful to see.