LEVENHALL Care Home in Musselburgh is to close, it was announced today.

Robert Kilgour, chairman of Renaissance Care, which operates 12 care homes throughout Scotland, made the announcement this morning.

The home, which is registered for 23 residents in 20 bedrooms, none of which are ensuite, currently has 16 residents. 

Mr Kilgour said: "After much careful consideration, we have regretfully made the decision to close Levenhall Care Home, which we have owned and operated since 2004, as it is just too small a home to survive in today’s market.

"East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership and the Scottish Care Inspectorate (SCI) have been kept fully informed and we are working closely with the partnership, staff and relatives to ensure that the disruption to our residents is kept to an absolute minimum, as suitable new accommodation for them is identified.

"We are well aware that this is their home, and some of them have lived there for many years.” 

"We are very sad to have had to make this decision, especially as our SCI ratings at this home have been consistently high.” 

"The simple fact is that increased regulatory requirements now mean that the building is no longer fit for purpose and, sadly, is unsuitable for upgrading with its narrow corridors and small-sized rooms.

"Despite our substantial investment in capital expenditure and repairs at this home, it has continued to make significant losses over recent years and this situation just cannot continue.

"No actual closure date for this home has been set as this depends on finding suitable alternative homes for our current residents.

"We also expect to be able to offer many members of staff at Levenhall alternative jobs in our other Edinburgh homes, which we hope they will accept.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff at this care home for all of their hard work and dedication, which is very much appreciated.”