Leading Scottish care provider Meallmore has appointed Cillian Hennessey to take over as managing director from his uncle Gerry Hennessey, who has retired from his role after 35 years.

Gerry and his brother Aidan were the founding directors of Meallmore in 1987. Gerry will remain as chairman for Meallmore, while Cillian takes over the running of operations.

Cillian joined the family business in 2010 as area manager after working as an investment surveyor. He became the company’s commercial director in 2017, where he was involved in determining the company’s growth and helping guide its operations and future development.

FHazel O’Rourke has also been promoted to quality director.

Gerry Hennessey said: “It was always my hope that the business would be passed onto the next generation, so for Cillian to be taking the baton is an extremely proud moment for me. The business is a very different one to the one I started running in 1987 with my brother, as we’ve gone from operating one care home to 26. The transition from one generation to the next has been well considered and I’m confident that Cillian will do an excellent job in his new role.”

Cillian Hennessey added: “Since being founded over 35 years ago by my father and uncle, Meallmore has secured the reputation of being one of Scotland’s leading care providers and I’m proud to be part of such a reputable company which offers a great place to live for our residents, and a great place to work for our colleagues.

“I’ve spent the last 12 years working in the family-run business and I’m ready to take Meallmore into the next generation and put my stamp on it, which is a really exciting prospect. That being said, nothing will change in terms of Meallmore’s ambitions or principles, which is to provide excellent personalised care and support, delivered by trained and professional caring teams in quality and safe environments.”