Since announcing last year that it would be closing 12 of its care homes, staff at Bield have been working tirelessly to find other providers to take them over.

Following progressive discussions, the housing and care provider announced that two of its homes in Edinburgh and one in Jedburgh will be transferred to Mansfield Care. These transfers follow on from the transfer in May of Finavon Court, in Glenrothes to Kingdom Homes.

The new provider will take over Haugh Street and Craighall Road in Edinburgh and Milfield Gardens in Jedburgh in a move that means all residents and staff can seamlessly transfer over with very few changes.

Charlie Dickson, director of housing and care services, said: “We are fully aware of the serious impact the decision to close the care homes has made on the lives of the people who use our services, their families and our staff.

“Once we made the decision to close the care homes we worked closely with our specialist agents Christie & Co to ensure that every possible attempt to find new care providers was explored across the country.

“Our service users and staff have remained of paramount importance throughout what is clearly a stressful and traumatic time.”

Bield announced 12 of its care homes were to close due to a change in strategic direction and ongoing financial pressures.

The decision to withdraw from the residential care home market was a last resort option for Bield and one that, if not taken, would have compromised the vital work it does to support and care for thousands of older people across Scotland.

The housing and care provider will continue to provide innovative solutions to address the needs of the next generation of older people and will operate – as normal – its range of highly successful housing services such as its retirement housing options and Bield Response24 service.