East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership is proud to announce Crookston Care Home, in Tranent has officially secured a Grade 5 "Very Good" rating from the Care Inspectorate for the ninth year in a row. This remarkable achievement follows an unannounced, two-day inspection conducted on 18 and 19 February 2026. The visit evaluated the service across several critical categories including resident wellbeing and the quality of the setting. The final report confirms that the home continues to provide a high-quality environment for its 60 residents under the management of East Lothian Council.
Inspectors were particularly impressed by the compassionate and warm interactions observed between staff and residents, which contribute to a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. The report noted the recent "step challenge" which had been initiated to encourage residents to walk around the home to contribute to a collective goal. It also praised a visit from the local nursery which saw residents and children playing, lifting everyone’s spirits. The Care Inspectorate commended the home for its "Very Good" support of resident wellbeing, noting that health and medical needs are managed with significant expertise. The report detailed how the staff have fostered respectful relationships with external healthcare providers, ensuring residents receive clinical support from the right people at the right time.
Pauline Skead, Manager of Crookston Care Home comments:
“I am absolutely delighted with this report, which serves as a testament to the hard work and heart our staff put into their roles every single day. Seeing our team described as supportive, compassionate, and quick to respond to the needs of our residents is incredibly rewarding.”
The inspection also highlighted the high quality of the facilities at the care home. The 60-bed home is organised across three floors, each featuring dedicated wings with sitting areas and kitchen-diners designed to feel welcoming and well-maintained. Residents are encouraged to personalise their private rooms with art, photographs, and personal possessions, ensuring they have a comfortable space to call their own. The report also noted that the home is a safe place to live and work, supported by regular health and safety checks, fire safety testing, and the professional servicing of specialist equipment by external contractors.
In addition, the report commended the home’s nutritional support and staff responsiveness. While residents described the food as good, the kitchen remains flexible, providing alternatives and managing complex dietary requirements. With 18 staff members interviewed and feedback gathered from dozens of relatives and professionals, the report serves as a comprehensive validation of Crookston's long-standing excellence.
Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, welcomed the findings. She said:
"Achieving a 'Very Good' standard for nine consecutive years is an outstanding accomplishment that reflects the unwavering dedication of the entire team at Crookston. This report highlights not only our high clinical standards but also the warmth and compassion that define the home. I am particularly pleased to see our residents enjoying such a vibrant social life, from the physical step challenges to the wonderful visits from the local nursery children. It is this commitment to both safety and quality of care that makes Crookston a leading example of care in Scotland."
The latest Crookston Care Inspectorate Report can be viewed online at: www.careinspectorate.com
For further information about Crookston Care Home visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/elhscp.