Push to restore respite care at Thurso continues

Community representatives in Thurso are continuing their dogged campaign to restore a local respite service for families with children who have a learning disability.

Thor House in the town's Provost Cormack Drive had provided a four-bedded residential unit for the purpose.

But the service was suspended during the pandemic and since then it has accommodated youngsters previously accommodated in the now-closed children's home in Wick.

Thurso community councillors heard at the meeting on Tuesday that this meant respite cannot be provided there.

Local Highland councillor Ron Gunn said: "The council wants to bring back respite but they can't do it when they have the people that are in there just now."

Councillor Gunn acknowledged that the nearest alternative of Orchard House in Inverness is "not on".

He said the future of respite is part of a wide-ranging review being carried out by the council.

Acting community council secretary Iain Gregory said there is a definite need for the restoration of respite at Thor.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.