The Cochno Road site has a rich history dating back to 1644 but this month the emphasis is on the past 25 years, during which time it has operated as a 24-hour care facility for vulnerable pensioners.

On Saturday family and friends joined in a day of music and entertainment at Edinbarnet House which must be one of the most stunning locations of any care home in the country.

That’s certainly the view of care home manager Martine McGlinchey who says staff and residents had been looking forward to what turned out to be a grand occasion for everyone involved.

She said: “The fact we have reached 25 years is certainly something to celebrate. We highlighted the anniversary in our newsletter and invited all the residents’ relatives who helped make it a memorable day.” The listed Edinbarnet House is nestled in a sprawling estate north of Duntocher that was once home to Walter McKenzie who commissioned the renowned architect Sir John James Burnett to design the building that was completed in 1882.

The present owners and directors - Heather Carrick and Elizabeth McRobert - acquired the building in 1986 when it was in a derelict state as a result of a fire which ripped through the building in 1975.

It required significant investment before it could begin a new life as a care home starting in September 1988. An extension was added in 1995 comprising 27 single rooms with en suite facilities and it is now home to 46 residents and employs 76 staff who provide a wide range of services.

As well as qualified nurses, care staff and kitchen personnel, the company employs a full time gardener who has the year-round task of keeping the beautiful grounds that surround the house in tip-top condition.

Martine continued: “We have lovely gardens which we make great use of during the summer, as do the relatives, and because it’s an older building we have lovely airy rooms with high ceilings and original features. It’s a very peaceful environment for the residents and although it’s secluded we are not so far from Hardgate and Clydebank that we can’t access all the necessary services.” The party included music from the Cochno Rebels, a folk music group from the local area, Carestar Entertainment and Clydebank Ladies Choir. There was also a finger buffet and, no doubt, a few glasses of bubbly were taken too.

Joining in the celebrations was 78-year-old Doris Fleming, who has been a resident for 17 years, and also two centenarians, Molly Garood and Audrey Heard, who both celebrate birthdays in October when Molly turns 104 and Audrey 102.