The investment, which will be funded by the council, will see the home’s electrical system and heating upgraded and the roof restored.

Struan Lodge will remain open throughout the works, however, there will be a temporary pause in the number of rooms in use to make the maintenance works possible. For clarity, the number of rooms available for use during the period will be nine, in total; eight rooms are permanent residents, and one room is for respite care, which will continue as scheduled. All the rooms are single occupancy.  These decisions were made to ensure residents do not need to move out of Struan Lodge when works commence, recognising that it is their home.

As a result of the temporary reduction in bed use, there will also be a temporary pause on any new (temporary or permanent) admissions until the works are complete. 

The council and the HSCP are preparing a timeline for the work to begin and an anticipated completion date. A further update confirming these details will soon be issued. 

A strategic review of care home provision across Argyll and Bute is also ongoing which will seek to develop the longer-term strategy for the provision of care home facilities throughout the area.

The council’s policy lead for care services, Councillor Dougie McFadzean, said: “The safety and wellbeing of our care home residents and staff is a priority. These improvements at Struan Lodge will make a huge difference to the lives of everyone who resides in, works in, or visits the home. This investment is very welcome news indeed.”

Evan Beswick, chief officer for Argyll and Bute HSCP, added: “I am delighted by this significant investment in Struan Lodge. This is great news for the residents of Struan Lodge and the fantastic staff who work there.

“I apologise for any necessary disruption, but am confident that the approach we are taking ensures this is minimised. I would like to thank the estates and care home teams on the ground working though this together, and my colleagues at Argyll and Bute Council for their support for this project.”