Veterans charity Erskine is to axe one of its main care homes

There are also fears that jobs could go due to the closure and other savings measures.

Erskine Park Home, in Bishopton, which provides round-the-clock care for 40 dementia sufferers, will shut its doors by March next year.

The announcement follows the closure last year of Erskine’s care home in Anniesland, Glasgow.

In a statement issued to The Gazette, bosses at Erskine said current funding received from the Scottish Government under the National Care Home Contract Fee is no longer enough to sustain existing services.

Those working in activity and recreation, nursing, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy are thought to be at most risk of losing their jobs.

Where possible, residents and staff at Erskine Park will be moved to the larger Erskine Home, also in Bishopton.

Wing Commander Ian Cumming, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Erskine can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to close our Erskine Park Home at Bishopton by March 2024.

“Consultations are ongoing with our staff, as well as the veterans and families involved.

“The residents affected have been offered the opportunity to transfer to Ramsay House, within Erskine Home, where there are currently rooms available.

“We hope to relocate as many staff there as possible too.”

Mr Cumming added: “The closure of the Erskine Park Home and the adjustment of some of Erskine’s special care services is a direct result of the evolving landscape in elderly care provision.

“The National Care Home Contract Fee no longer provides adequate funding for the increasingly complex care and support which elderly citizens often need or appropriate pay levels for our staff.

“We also recognise there is a greater desire for people to stay in their own homes as long as possible.

“As a result, we are investigating the demand and deliverability of a care at home-style project and the feasibility of expanding our assisted living provisions.”

One member of staff told The Gazette how he has been left stunned by the latest care home closure and possible job losses.

He said: “Erskine has generations of the same families working here, some of whom have been here for more than 20 years.”

Erskine provides a range of services to British Armed Forces veterans of all ages, as well as their families.

It is most renowned for long-term nursing, respite, dementia and end-of-life medical care at its homes and veterans village.

The charity was set up during the First World War to provide hospital care for injured soldiers and needs to raise around £12million each year to continue its services.

Erskine Park Home, near Erskine Bridge, was opened in 2006 by Princess Anne.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "We do not want to see the closure of good quality care homes.

"Regrettably, there will be situations where independent sector or local authority run care homes close for various reasons and It is outwith the remit of the Scottish Government to intervene.

“The National Care Home Contract rate is not set by the Scottish Government and is negotiated between Cosla and Scottish Care.

"We are pleased Scottish Care members have voted to accept the six per cent uplift offer from Cosla to agree the National Care Home Contract."