A new £5.9m care facility is to be constructed in the Western Isles.

The Ardseileach Care Development received approval from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and will meet the different care and support needs of adults with learning difficulties and complex care needs.

The centre will replace the existing care home accommodation and respite service, providing users with an up-to-date facility. The supported accommodation units will provide both individual and shared living options, with different levels of support provided, depending on an individual's needs.

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Councillor Uisdean Robertson, Chair of Health and Social Care, commented: "I warmly welcome this project. There are a significant number of adults with learning disabilities who are living at home, with a carer, in the Western Isles.

"Scottish Government statistics in 2011 showed this figure to be approximately 60% of the learning disabled population, with a contrasting figure of 18% within Highland region.

"A move to a care home, or the need for statutory intervention, can for many be unplanned and happen as a result of a carer no longer being able to provide the support that is required.

"The Core and Cluster redesign of residential care services will increase the capacity of the Comhairle to meet the demand for local care and, in particular, respite and emergency provision in what is an increasingly challenging financial climate."

(JP/IT)