Murray & Evanthea House
Client
QME Care
Location
Kelso, Scottish Borders
Sector
Health
The Challenge
QME Care identified the need for specialist dementia accommodation in Kelso to complement the existing Queens House Nursing Home. The ambition was to create a safe, supportive environment for residents while incorporating best practice in dementia design. The scope evolved from an initial 18-bedroom model to a total of 27 care bedrooms across two houses.
Alasdair Rankin
Managing Director
Alasdair Rankin
Managing Director
Alasdair leads Aitken Turnbull as Managing Director, guiding the strategic vision and steering the senior management team with clear purpose. With extensive experience as a project and framework director across diverse sectors, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the practice. His passion lies in Healthcare and Major Projects, where he excels in shaping strategic briefs and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement. Alasdair’s thoughtful leadership ensures that every project aligns with both client goals and community needs, driving the continued growth and success of Aitken Turnbull.
Ben Glennon
Associate
Ben Glennon
Associate
Ben plays a key role at Aitken Turnbull as Associate and leader of the Living Team, bringing strong design leadership, project management, and technical expertise throughout every stage of a project. With over 10 years at the practice, he has created award-winning designs that balance innovation, sustainability, and a genuine focus on community needs. Ben’s proactive, collaborative approach helps ensure projects not only meet client goals but also positively impact the places and people they serve. Passionate about community-led initiatives, he works closely with local groups to develop thoughtful, meaningful design solutions that truly make a difference.
Alistair Whitson
Associate
Alistair Whitson
Associate
Alistair is a highly experienced technical leader at Aitken Turnbull, bringing over 35 years of knowledge and expertise to the team. Educated at Edinburgh College of Art he has developed a wealth of experience as a technical leader, and has extensive experience across a range of sectors including Healthcare and Residential projects. Alongside his technical leadership, he also oversees IT within the practice, ensuring systems run smoothly and efficiently. With a practical, hands-on approach and a wealth of insight, Alistair supports the team in delivering well-crafted, reliable solutions for every project.
Our Approach
Working with Hammond Care, Aitken Turnbull developed a strategy rooted in freedom of movement, small household living, clear wayfinding, and strong connections to outdoor spaces. Natural light, colour, and contrast were carefully considered to support orientation and wellbeing. Each house was designed as a pavilion within its garden, with circulation routes broken up by points of interest to create calm and engaging environments.
The Conclusion
Murray and Evanthea House now provide state-of-the-art care for people living with dementia in the Scottish Borders. The design balances clinical requirements with a homely, human scale, ensuring residents enjoy safe, dignified and fulfilling lives. With strong community facilities and garden access, the development sets a benchmark in dementia care design.
Alasdair Rankin
Managing Director
Alasdair leads Aitken Turnbull as Managing Director, guiding the strategic vision and steering the senior management team with clear purpose. With extensive experience as a project and framework director across diverse sectors, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the practice. His passion lies in Healthcare and Major Projects, where he excels in shaping strategic briefs and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement. Alasdair’s thoughtful leadership ensures that every project aligns with both client goals and community needs, driving the continued growth and success of Aitken Turnbull.
Alasdair Rankin
Managing Director
Alasdair leads Aitken Turnbull as Managing Director, guiding the strategic vision and steering the senior management team with clear purpose. With extensive experience as a project and framework director across diverse sectors, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the practice. His passion lies in Healthcare and Major Projects, where he excels in shaping strategic briefs and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement. Alasdair’s thoughtful leadership ensures that every project aligns with both client goals and community needs, driving the continued growth and success of Aitken Turnbull.
Ben Glennon
Associate
Ben plays a key role at Aitken Turnbull as Associate and leader of the Living Team, bringing strong design leadership, project management, and technical expertise throughout every stage of a project. With over 10 years at the practice, he has created award-winning designs that balance innovation, sustainability, and a genuine focus on community needs. Ben’s proactive, collaborative approach helps ensure projects not only meet client goals but also positively impact the places and people they serve. Passionate about community-led initiatives, he works closely with local groups to develop thoughtful, meaningful design solutions that truly make a difference.
Ben Glennon
Associate
Ben plays a key role at Aitken Turnbull as Associate and leader of the Living Team, bringing strong design leadership, project management, and technical expertise throughout every stage of a project. With over 10 years at the practice, he has created award-winning designs that balance innovation, sustainability, and a genuine focus on community needs. Ben’s proactive, collaborative approach helps ensure projects not only meet client goals but also positively impact the places and people they serve. Passionate about community-led initiatives, he works closely with local groups to develop thoughtful, meaningful design solutions that truly make a difference.
Alistair Whitson
Associate
Alistair is a highly experienced technical leader at Aitken Turnbull, bringing over 35 years of knowledge and expertise to the team. Educated at Edinburgh College of Art he has developed a wealth of experience as a technical leader, and has extensive experience across a range of sectors including Healthcare and Residential projects. Alongside his technical leadership, he also oversees IT within the practice, ensuring systems run smoothly and efficiently. With a practical, hands-on approach and a wealth of insight, Alistair supports the team in delivering well-crafted, reliable solutions for every project.
Alistair Whitson
Associate
Alistair is a highly experienced technical leader at Aitken Turnbull, bringing over 35 years of knowledge and expertise to the team. Educated at Edinburgh College of Art he has developed a wealth of experience as a technical leader, and has extensive experience across a range of sectors including Healthcare and Residential projects. Alongside his technical leadership, he also oversees IT within the practice, ensuring systems run smoothly and efficiently. With a practical, hands-on approach and a wealth of insight, Alistair supports the team in delivering well-crafted, reliable solutions for every project.
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