Developers have revealed their vision for a multi-million pound care home providing dozens of much needed places for elderly people and creating 100 full-time jobs in Inverness.
If planning is granted, the £6.5million plans for Milton of Leys will provide 48 en-suite bedrooms, a café, hairdresser and eight day rooms and a second phase will see the creation of 16 assisted living suites.
Planning has been submitted to the Highland Council ahead of a projected opening next year if it is approved.
MSP David Stewart said: “There is clearly a need for additional care capacity in Inverness, and across the Highlands.”
Site owner Tulloch Homes has partnered with one of the north’s largest independent care home providers, Parklands Group.
Mr Stewart added he was “delighted” that a company with track record of “providing quality care for older people” was coming to the city.
With as many as 100 long-term positions created at the home Inverness Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Stewart Nicol, said it is “a real boost for the Inverness economy.”
Managing director of Parklands Group, Ron Taylor, said: “The population in the Highlands is aging and there is a real need for more homes.
“We have been looking at Inverness for the last two years with a view to building a flagship care home – something that is in demand and in line with the needs of the local population.”
The two storey development will sit next to Milton of Leys Primary School that was already earmarked for a care home in the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan.
Mr Taylor said: “We don’t build travel lodges, we build bespoke care homes. It is light and spacious with views over the Moray Firth, after all it is their home and people deserve the best.”
He added: “We have also got to ensure that the standard of care is first class because Inverness deserves the best.”
Tulloch Homes chief executive George Fraser said that in Parklands “we have attracted the ideal fit, bringing jobs and quality care.”
“This is a key step forward in our continuing strategy of bringing enhanced facilities to this community,” he added.
Scotland’s population is aging with official figures projecting that the number of pensioners will jump by 28% over the next quarter of a century.
