Care homes in Lochaber and Lewis to close

Two care homes in the Highlands and Islands are to close.

HC-One said its Moss Park Care Home near Fort William and Blar Buidhe in Stornoway, Lewis, would shut in coming months.

Moss Park in Caol provides care for up to 39 people and Blar Buidhe has 38 residents and offers nursing and dementia care.

HC-One said the decision to close the homes had not been taken lightly.

NHS Highland said it was working with HC-One and Highland Council to find a way to deliver care in the Fort William area.

A spokesperson added: "Regrettably, it has not been possible to identify a sustainable solution at this stage.

"We will support residents and staff during this period."

Western Isles local authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said its priority was the well-being of residents, their families and employees at Blar Buidhe.

HC-One said it had been working with the NHS and local authorities to secure the future of the two homes.

A spokesperson said: "Both Blar Buidhe and Moss Park were among a small number of homes across Scotland that we put up for sale in March 2021.

"Unfortunately, at Moss Park, we have long struggled to build and retain the full, permanent care teams needed to consistently deliver the high standards of care that our residents deserve.

"Given Blar Buidhe’s remote location, regrettably we are not able to commit the operational support the home needs to flourish long-term."