A turf cutting ceremony has been held in the Highlands to mark the start of works on new care homes in the region.

New care homes are to be constructed at Muir of Ord and Tain to replace the existing homes that serve the two communities.

Residents from Urray House, Muir of Ord, and Duthac House, Tain, were joined at the events by local Highland Council Members as well as staff from Parklands Highland Ltd, which is the provider of the new homes. Their builder partner, Robertson, was also in attendance.

Parklands Highland Ltd is now responsible for the operation of the existing homes at Urray House and Duthac House which were formerly run by The Highland Council.


Council staff transferred to the employment of Parklands on 15 July 2013.

The homes will remain in operation until the new homes are completed in April 2014.

On behalf of the Highland Council's Dingwall & Seaforth Ward Members, Councillor Angela MacLean welcomed the commencement of works at Muir of Ord.

She said: "This is the Council delivering another commitment in its Programme 'to work with partners to complete the building of new care homes, run by the independent sector'. Families in Muir of Ord area can look forward to a brighter future for the care of their loved ones."

Councillor Alasdair Rhind for Tain & Easter Ross Ward added: "Duthac House has served our community well but we are delighted that the people of Tain and area will now have a state of the art care home to care for our older people. We look forward to the completion and opening of the new home in 2014."

(JP/CD)