Cumnock's Bute House Care Home is to temporarily close with immediate effect due to safety concerns.

The home, located on the town's Barrhill Road, is having to close for between one to three weeks due to fire safety worries.

Residents' families have been made aware of the arrangements, with plans in place for them to move to temporary accommodation.

Manager Caroline Duncan said: “The decision to close the home temporarily was taken on health and safety grounds due to fire safety concerns, and followed extensive consultation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

“All residents' families have been contacted, with transfers to alternative accommodation currently being completed.

“The safety and wellbeing of residents and staff remains paramount, and this difficult decision was not taken without careful consideration of all alternatives. 

“All residents will return to Bute House once the necessary work is completed, and every effort will be made to ensure that the care home re-opens as soon as possible.”

Craig McArthur, Director of East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, added: "We are aware of the fire safety concerns at Bute House, and are working closely with the management team to ensure the safe transfer of all residents."