Sir,
During my time as a local member on North Ayrshire Council (NAC), I was delighted beyond dreams when the then administration, along with good and far-seeing senior social work officers, agreed to the building of the new Montrose House and the purchase of a new site for it against the policy of the council at that time to close care homes in favour of care in the community.
It was acknowledged that islands have different needs and priorities, and the need for respite care on a local island basis is fundamental and now urgent on Arran. It concerns me greatly as a member of the Arran community that this magnificent new facility is unable to fulfil its full function because of a lack of staff.