The electrician responsible for fitting the ventilation shafts in a nursing home where 14 pensioners died in a blaze has told a fatal accident inquiry that he only had “small-scale” experience of installing such systems.

COUNCILLORS have backed plans to revamp community care services in a move which bosses insist are not being driven by the need for savings.

A COMPLAINT that Stirling Council operated respite places at a local elderly home without permission has been upheld by care home watchdogs.

Seizures of class A drugs such as heroin across the Northern Constabulary area almost doubled in the last year, findings from the Scottish government have shown.

A hostel for adults with learning disabilities is to be closed in Aberdeen as part of local authority cost-cutting measures, the Press and Journal can reveal.

THE stage has been set for a public inquiry into a controversial Lochaber care home plan. The first step towards resolving the wrangle over a proposed 90-bed privately-operated home at Fort William were taken last Wednesday when the groundwork was laid for the inquiry.

Three care homes for the elderly were yesterday given the go-ahead by Highland planners – but uncertainty still surrounds their future.

A CARE home in Glasgow for 15 adults with learning disabilities is to be closed.

One of the longest running units helping adults with mental health problems is relocating at the end of this month after 60 years service in Edinburgh’s New Town.

A SENIOR nurse in charge of a care home for the elderly was called “a witch” after slapping a resident to wake her up, a court has heard.