Davidson Villa shared housing in Nairn set to close after running for two years half empty

A shared housing complex for elderly people in Nairn is set to close its doors after two years “running at a loss”.

Blackwood Homes and Care, owner of Davidson Villa in Seabank Road, confirmed that having been unable to attract new residents and having been home to five tenants (where the total capacity is 10) since taking up the running of the building, they were forced to withdraw the service.

The villa offers independent living accommodation where tenants have access to communal areas to socialise and a meals service provided by Blackwood, employing three members of staff.

RELATED:

PICTURES: Nairn care home celebrates summer fete in colour

Sixty years of fun for Nairn couple celebrating diamond anniversary with royal greetings

Plans submitted to turn former Inverness care home into retirement flats

Doug Moyes, director of customer service at Blackwood, said: “Since we took over the running of Davidson Villa in Nairn two years ago, we have provided a safe, secure home for the five tenants, whose average age is 86.

“Despite extensive efforts including local and national campaigns, we have been unable to find new occupants for the home. We have worked closely with local authorities, health and social care partnerships, and other care and housing providers, without success despite the national housing emergency.

“Throughout this period Davidson Villa has been at 50 per cent occupancy and operating at a loss, which in the most challenging financial times the housing sector has ever seen, puts undue and significant pressure on other services.

“We have consulted with our tenants and families, and we are now developing personal housing plans, which includes assessing the impact of this decision on individuals. We have not set a date for the withdrawal of the service while we prioritise this work.

“Our focus at all times is the wellbeing, safety, and needs of our current tenants, and this will remain the case as we work tirelessly to find the right solution for them. We are working closely with external partners to find homes that meets individuals’ accommodation, care, and support needs.”

Nairn Provost, Laurie Fraser, said he was sorry to receive the news of its imminent closure.

“It was an exceptionally good facility for the town and was well used when it was set up 20 years ago,” he said.

“It is clear that the number of users has fallen, and this is the result. I was surprised when the unit in Forres closed 10 years ago, but now Nairn has gone in the same direction.”

Councillor Barbara Jarvie, who said was contacted by a concerned family member, said: “We need to ensure for the families that there is accountability and responsibility for continuity of appropriate care without undue upset or distress.”

A Blackwood spokesperson confirmed that there is no plans for the house as yet as Blackwood's priority is supporting its tenants.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.