June 29 2022

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Leading care provider Balhousie Care Group has sent its good wishes to blind golfer Barry McCluskey on the eve of the British Blind Golf Open.

Perth-based Balhousie is an official sponsor of Barry, ranked third in the UK, second in Scotland and number 6 worldwide. He will take part in the event in Aviemore from July 3 to July 7, 2022.

Balhousie Care Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer John Kirk said: “Nobody can fail to be impressed by Barry’s determination – his story is inspiring. We call our employees Everyday Heroes because of the challenges they surmount every day and the passion they bring to their work. It’s safe to say that Barry does the same, just in a different way.”

Barry, son of former Celtic footballer George, first developed problems with his sight at age 17. He was registered partially sighted in 2018 then when his sight took another dip in 2019 he was registered blind. A keen golfer, he was determined to find a way to continue playing, which he does with the help of a coach.

Barry said: “I am looking forward to working with Balhousie Care Group over the next few years to promote blind and disabled golf. It shows the equality that this company has that it has shown faith in me to back me for the next three years. The sponsorship takes a lot of pressure off me to get to tournaments and follow my dreams of winning as many tournaments as I can.”

He added: “I’m looking forward to the British Blind Golf Open as, being in my home country, it’s a massive event for me personally. I am hoping I can follow the win I had at the Spanish Open in May and keep the trophy here in Scotland.”

The sponsorship of Barry marks the latest in several new partnerships this year for the multi-award-winning Balhousie Care Group, a leader in older person and specialist care and a keen community player. Others include backing Arbroath Bowling Club, Crieff Highland Gathering and the Tarland Food & Music Festival.

Balhousie, which is celebrating 30 years in business, currently operates 26 care facilities in six regions of Scotland. Plans have just been approved for a brand new care home in Callander.

For more information on Balhousie Care Group visit www.balhousiecare.co.uk

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For media enquiries please contact Gillian Drummond on gillian.drummond@balhousiecare.co.uk or call 01738 254254/07365 284994.

Photo caption: Barry McCluskey at this year’s Spanish Blind Open in Madrid in May.

Notes to Editors

About Balhousie Care Group

Balhousie Care Group was formed 30 years ago to fill a gap in quality residential care in North East Scotland. Today, with 26 homes in the area, it is one of the leading providers of care for the elderly in Scotland, providing care to over 900 residents.

Balhousie Care prides itself on its person-centred approach to care. Putting people right at the forefront of everything they do; it’s inclusive of everyone. They capture this philosophy through the roll out of ‘Together We’re Great’, an initiative which recognises the skills, talents, attributes and support areas for each and every person involved in the organisation. Together We’re Great aims to value individuality and promote excellence across the organisation.

A Participation Charter – a first-of-its-kind in the care home sector – commits to residents getting a bigger say than ever in the care they receive, from writing care home policies to recruiting staff.

Balhousie Care Group is the recipient of numerous awards. These include three Scottish Care Awards, a 2021 Great British Care Award, 2022 s1Jobs Recruitment Award, 2019 Growth Business and 2018 Service Business of the Year at The Courier Business Awards, 2019 Growth Business of the Year 2019 for Chairman Tony Banks.