A HELENSBURGH care home manager has expressed her delight after the facility became the first in the area to receive a food excellence certificate.

Lochside Care Home in Shandon earned the Eat Safe award from Food Standards Scotland (FSS) following inspections by Argyll and Bute Council officials.

The award recognises exceptional food hygiene which goes above and beyond the legal requirements and it is open to all types of food outlets, from cafés and five-star restaurants to care homes and hotels.

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Lochside achieved the award in June and at the time was the first care home in the Helensburgh and Lomond area to have done so.

Since then, Morar Lodge in Helensburgh has also received the award and a total of 19 outlets across the area are listed on the FSS website.

Fiona Ness, care home manager, said: “Lochside kitchen staff are all trained in food hygiene but they are also trained in allergen awareness.

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“Our residents and families can be assured that the food they are eating has been prepared in conditions that are above those required by current legislation.

“We are so proud to be the first care home in the Helensburgh area to have achieved this. Well done to Mandy and Marney.”