Claims of abuse to residents at Scots care home are ‘distressing’, says Salmond

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond has described allegations of abuse at a Scots care home as “serious and distressing”.

The First Minister spoke out after the Daily Record revealed five members of staff had been suspended at the Four Seasons care home in Baillieston.

The home faces allegations of mistreatment towards elderly residents.

Local Labour MSP Margaret Curran raised the issue with Mr Salmond at First Minister’s Questions in the Scottish Parliament.

She asked him if he was aware of the allegations and urged him to “make every effort to ensure residents in care homes in Scotland and their families can be assured of a safe and caring environment”.

The First Minister told her the case was now the subject of a police investigation.

He added that the Care Commission had also visited the home following the allegations and were “satisfied appropriate action is now being taken to protect the wellbeing of residents”.

Mr Salmond continued: “The Care Commission itself awaits the outcome of the police investigation before considering what further action they can take.”

But he stressed: “The serious and distressing allegations are being investigated appropriately.

“We have a robust regulatory system in place to protect vulnerable people. Of course, no system can guarantee that there will be no cases of abuse, but the important thing is action is taken swiftly when incidents occur, and that is happening in this distressing case.”

Strathclyde Police confirmed that its investigation into the allegations is ongoing.