Main's House story
Supporting wellbeing at Main’s House - a community partnership in action
Newtonmore Community Woodlands and Development Trust (NCWDT) is proud to have supported improvements to the front garden at Main’s House Care Home, helping enhance the daily lives of residents through better access to outdoor space.
Working in partnership with the health board and its official charity, the project has created more accessible pathways, enabling residents to spend more time outdoors, connect with nature and enjoy the changing seasons. The upgraded space supports mobility and independence, ensuring more people can benefit from the calming, therapeutic environment of the garden.
This meaningful project was made possible thanks to a generous legacy from local resident, the late Marielle Barclay, whose connection to both NCWDT and Main’s House inspired the initiative.
Ian Gibson, Trustee of NCWDT said: “Newtonmore Community Woodlands and Development Trust was left a generous legacy by Marielle Barclay, a local resident. Marielle had been a trustee of NCWDT and also spent the last few months of her life being cared for at Main's House.
“The current Trustees knew from conversations with her friends that she had wanted to do something to improve the amenity of Main's House while she was there. Knowing her love of the outdoors improving access to the front garden for residents was a great project for us to support.
“The flower beds and barrels in the front garden have already been improved as they were adopted by a group of volunteers, the Guerilla Gardeners, who receive financial support from NCWDT. This paving work makes the front garden much more accessible for residents.”
The new paving builds on earlier work by local volunteers, who revitalised the garden’s flower beds and planters. Together, these improvements have created a more welcoming, accessible space that encourages social interaction, relaxation and gentle outdoor activity.
Shirley Christie, Care Home Manager at Main’s House, welcomed the impact of the project. She said: “Access to outdoor space makes such a difference to the wellbeing of our residents. The improvements to the front garden mean more people can safely enjoy fresh air, watch the world go by, and spend time with visiting family and friends. We are incredibly grateful to NCWDT and NHS Highland Charity for helping us make this happen.”
The project reflects the importance of community-led support for local health and care services. By working in partnership with NHS Highland Charity, NCWDT has been able to help deliver a lasting improvement that will benefit residents, families and staff for years to come.
