AN unsung hero who goes above and beyond the call of duty at an Auchinleck care-home has been nominated for an award.

Catherine Thomson, depute manager of Nightingale House, has been nominated in the Manager/Leader of the Year category at the Scottish Care Awards 2017.

Around 700 people will attend a ceremony, hosted by Michelle McManus, at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow on November 17 when the winner will be announced.

The awards celebrate the best of the independent care home sector in Scotland and have been hailed a huge success in recognising individuals, teams and companies.

A record number of nominations have been received this year, and Catherine said she was thrilled and honoured to be chosen as a finalist.

She was nominated by Val Allen of the East Ayrshire Health and Social Partnership, who said: “I see Catherine as an unsung hero and the driving force behind some absolutely fantastic work. She inspires me on a daily basis.

“Her positive and dynamic approach makes Nightingale House a very happy and enthusiastic place to be. A modest, supportive, enthusiastic, dedicated, committed and inspirational leader, I am in awe of her every da “Catherine encourages staff to adorn dressing gowns in the evening when trying to encourage residents, who have difficulty settling for the night, to go to bed.”

Prior to the awards, a full day conference will be held with speakers including Professor Sir Harry Burns and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Shona Robison.

This year’s National Care Home Conference and Exhibition will focus on how care homes offer to support people to remain in a homely setting rather than in hospital.