LEUCHIE House has opened its doors for respite to carers and those in need of a break after caring for loved ones throughout the coronavirus crisis and lockdown period.

The respite centre, near North Berwick, temporarily closed its doors at the end of March due to the pandemic.

It usually provides respite breaks to those living with the long-term effects of a neurological condition and to their families.

Leuchie managers said that caring for a loved one with a life-limiting condition wasn’t “glamorous” and was also one of the most socially isolating things that could happen to a family, a situation which had worsened due to Covid-19.

They said that the number of unpaid carers in Scotland had increased from 759,000 to about 1.1million since the start of the pandemic, and the need for respite had never been greater.

Recognised as an independent charity, Leuchie defined unpaid carers as people who provided care and support for family members or other relatives, as well as friends and neighbours.

Loved ones could be elderly or affected by disability or physical or mental health conditions, often long term.

The current pandemic has seen many carers shielding alongside their loved ones to reduce the risk of contracting the virus and passing it on, all while their usual support has been disrupted or even suspended.

After closing its doors three months ago, Leuchie managers claimed the strain on families had been immense and the need for respite now exceeded the need for shielding.

Mark Bevan, Leuchie House CEO, said: “The best way to recognise the huge effort made by family carers is to give them the break they need.

“Carers who we support can have particularly intense caring routines as a result of their loved one’s neurological condition.

“It is physically demanding and emotionally draining, and it is relentless.

“They usually rely on regular respite at Leuchie House to give them a break and the chance to recharge their batteries, knowing their loved one is receiving round-the-clock nursing and care.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has once again forced many carers to put the health and wellbeing of their loved ones ahead of their own, but it is time for us to offer them a lifeline in the form of a safe break, in an environment with the very best infection control.

“The hard work of caring happens in people’s homes. Carers’ invisible contribution to the NHS during Covid-19 needs to be recognised; their effort in the face of care staff shortages has been heroic.”

Janet Johnstone, a carer who has relied on Leuchie in the past, said: “The Leuchie House staff are absolutely wonderful in every way and my husband, Andy, loved his first ever respite last year.

“I was able to have a refreshing break from caring knowing that he was very well taken care of.

“Sadly, Andy’s health has deteriorated significantly following two strokes, and I am in desperate need of a break again.”

All new residents to Leuchie House will have to show a negative test for Covid-19 before being welcomed.

There will be limited social opportunities for at least 14 days after they arrive.

This is happening alongside Leuchie’s current work supporting the NHS, whose need to free up hospital beds has reduced as the number of people in hospital with the virus has also declined.