A GALASHIELS care home for teenagers is the best in the country.

And their accolade was enhanced further this week with the highest possible gradings from Government inspectors being published.

Wheatlands, who look after children from 12- to 18-years-old, was named Residential Team of the Year by the Scottish Institute of Residential Child Care at a prestigious award ceremony in Glasgow last week.

In announcing Wheatlands as Team of the Year, the SIRCC selection panel described the home as an example of excellence, with a dedicated staff team committed to creating a true sense of home and as a place where children and young people feel nurtured, empowered and claimed. The Care Inspectorate visited the Scottish Borders Council run home in April. Based on the findings of the inspection, Wheatlands was awarded the maximum grading of 6, or excellent, for all aspects of the service. Councillor Frances Renton, the executive member social work, was delighted with the double honour for the care home.

She said: “This is an outstanding Care Inspectorate report.”