A new study has found that one independent Scottish care provider makes a multi-million-pound contribution to the regional and national economy.

The report by economic consultancy MKA Economics assessed the Parklands Care Homes’ current economic impact and projected the effects of its future expansion up to 2028.

Its analysis showed that Grantown-based Parklands, which has 12 care homes in the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire, currently contributes £27.5 million a year to the Scottish economy in gross value added (GVA). At the regional level, £10 million is generated in the Highlands and £15.8 million in Moray and Aberdeenshire.

Parklands’ planned investment will see its contribution to the Scottish economy reach £41.4 million a year by 2028, with £14.9 million generated in the Highlands and £23.8 million in the North-East.

The report suggests the number of care beds provided by Parklands is forecast to increase by 59%, from 451 to 718.

Parklands’ investment will also generate a one-off boost for construction worth £33.4 million in GVA to the national economy by 2028. In the North-East this amounts to £19.7 million and in the Highlands £13.7 million in GVA terms.

Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Care Homes, said: “Parklands has grown from a single care home into one of the north of Scotland’s largest employers, delivering much-needed care capacity and creating new career opportunities for local people. At a time when social care in Scotland is contracting, Parklands is delivering significant investment in the region.

“This economic impact study highlights our role as a major employer and economic driver in the region, with our contribution set to grow significantly as we expand. Our ongoing developments will not only enhance care provision but also deliver a substantial economic dividend to the construction sector and create new employment opportunities for local people, ensuring lasting benefits for communities across the Highlands and the North-East.”

Colin Marr, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said: “We already knew that Parkland’s is an important contributor to the Highland economy, and this report allows us to quantify their current contribution while also looking ahead to how that contribution will grow over the next few years as their expansion plans come to fruition. All locally based large employers are important for our region and it’s imperative that as our population ages that we have a thriving, quality care sector who can attend to their needs. It’s also important that the care sector supports the community they are based in. This year Parklands is shortlisted for two Highlands Business Awards – employer of the year and community engagement – which both testify to the caring nature of the company.”

Sarah Medcraf, CEO of Moray Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am thrilled to see the profound economic impact that Parklands Care Homes has on our region and beyond. This study underscores the significant contributions that local businesses like Parklands make to the Scottish economy—not just in terms of jobs and investment, but in enhancing the quality of life for our communities. Parklands’ commitment to expansion and its role as a major employer in the Highlands, Moray, and Aberdeenshire is a testament to the strength and resilience of our local economy. Their continued growth will undoubtedly bring lasting benefits, supporting both our workforce and the vital social care sector at a time when it is needed most.”