Historic Scottish Care Home to Close Due to Safety Risks

In a concerning development, Suncourt House, a care home in Troon, Scotland, has announced it will be closing its doors on January 24, 2025, due to a serious incident and ongoing safety concerns. The owners of the facility have cited the deteriorating condition of an adjoining historic building, previously used as a Real Tennis court, as the primary reason for the closure.

According to the care home's spokesperson, the C-listed building, which dates back to 1905, has been deemed unsafe by structural engineers, posing a potential danger to both staff and residents. Despite efforts to reduce the risk, the owners have been unable to obtain the necessary planning permission to upgrade the home itself, leading them to make the difficult decision to shut down the facility.

The news has understandably sparked outrage among the families of Suncourt's residents, who are now faced with the challenge of finding alternative accommodation for their elderly loved ones on short notice. One family member expressed their shock, noting that the care home had been accepting new residents just a few weeks prior to the announcement.

The closure of Suncourt House is a significant blow to the local community, as the care home has been in operation for over 20 years. The adjoining Real Tennis court building, one of only two such facilities remaining in Scotland, was a unique and historically significant feature of the property. However, the owners have stated that the restrictions imposed by the building's listed status have made it difficult to redevelop or repurpose the space.

As the community grapples with this unexpected development, the local health and social care partnership has assured residents and their families that they will work closely with the care home provider to ensure a smooth transition and that the individual care needs of the residents are met during this difficult time.