Achnamara

Saltcoats

About Achnamara

Achnamara is a children and young people's care home located in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, operated by North Ayrshire Council. At its most recent Care Inspectorate inspection in January 2026, the service received an average grade of Adequate, which corresponds to a 3 out of 6 on Scotland's care grading scale. The Care Inspectorate is the independent regulator responsible for inspecting and grading care services across Scotland.

The home provides general care for children and young people, supporting residents with their day-to-day needs in a residential setting. As a council-operated service, Achnamara works within North Ayrshire Council's broader children's services framework, aiming to provide a stable and supportive environment for those in its care.

Families and professionals seeking placements in the North Ayrshire area may wish to contact the service directly or consult the Care Inspectorate website for the full inspection report and the most up-to-date information.

Last Inspection

15 January 2026

Care Inspectorate Grades

Care homes in Scotland are graded on a 6-point scale (1-6) across five key questions. Grades range from Unsatisfactory (1) to Excellent (6).

Wellbeing Support

How well do we support people's wellbeing?

Adequate3

Care Planning

How good is our care and support planning?

Adequate3

Setting

How good is our setting?

Adequate3

Staff Team

How good is our staff team?

Adequate3

Leadership

How good is our leadership?

Adequate3

View Full Report on Care Inspectorate

5 Questions to Ask on Your Visit

When visiting Achnamara, consider asking...

1.How do you support young people to maintain contact with their family?
2.What education and skills development is available?
3.How do you handle situations where a young person is distressed or at risk?
4.How are young people involved in decisions about their own care?
5.What does the transition plan look like as a young person approaches adulthood?

5 Things to Look For on Your Visit

When you visit Achnamara, look out for...

1.Does the environment feel homely and age-appropriate, not institutional?
2.Do staff interact with young people as individuals, not just service users?
3.Is there evidence of personalisation -- young people's own belongings, artwork, choices?
4.Do young people seem comfortable and relaxed around staff?
5.Is the atmosphere positive and nurturing, or tense and controlled?