Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has written to Trustees of Leuchie House asking for an extension to the closure deadline of November.

Lib Dem Health Spokesperson, Ross Finnie MSP, has also written to Trustees following a recent visit to the house with Mr Hume.

Jim Hume said:

“I am greatly saddened that the MS Society has come to the decision not to continue to support Leuchie. Whilst I acknowledge that there seems to be little scope for this decision to be reviewed, I do believe that the MS Society does have a duty of care to the users of Leuchie House and therefore it needs to ensure that there is no break in service provision.

“I have asked the Trustees to grant an extension to the time available to staff at Leuchie in order to find a solution that will allow them to continue to operate the house. This might come in the form of an independent charity or trust, or it might come in the form of another care provider. Whatever the solution might be, I do sincerely believe that the MS Society does at the very least have a duty of care to the users of Leuchie House to ensure that there is no break in service provision.

“An extension to the deadline of November is, in my view, a wholly reasonable request and would certainly demonstrate the Society's willingness to assist Leuchie House at this difficult stage.”