Councillor Paul Edie, Convener of the City of Edinburgh Council's Health and Social Care Committee, has officially launched a new resource that will allow six young people with learning disabilities to live on their own for the first time thanks to a £1.5m investment.

The new service, which provides care and support is run by Carr-Gomm Scotland.

The life-changing facility means that the six people will now be able to live in specially adapted flats on their own in a new housing development in the Corstorphine area of the city.

This time last year the flats where lying empty. Now each has been adapted and specially designed to help cater for the particular needs and requirements of the six individuals.

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Cllr Edie said: "Seeing the lives of these six young people transformed underlines why we are so committed to making projects like this become a reality. It is an exciting time for them being able to move into their own home and to have the freedom to live their lives like any other young person.

"Helping people with learning disabilities take control of their lives and create a valued future of their choice is a top priority for this administration. I am determined we will continue to invest in a wide range of high quality care options for those in need."

Maggie Fleming Operations Manager, of Carr-Gomm Scotland, said: "People and their families have been involved from the start in recruiting support staff as well as furnishing their new homes, choosing carpets and deciding what to bring from previous homes."

The £1.5m investment is over three years and has been funded by money from the Council to meet the needs of young people with learning disabilities.

The new development is owned by Cairn Housing Association.

(GK/JM)