Scotland's only residential home for elderly deaf and blind people is to close.

Residents and their families say they are devastated at the decision to shut Craigholme, in Bearsden, near Glasgow, in April.

Edward McLuskey, 53, is leading a campaign for a rethink by Deaf Connections, the charity who run the home.

He said mum-in-law Betty Dickie, 79, who died last month, had been heartbroken at the thought of leaving Craigholme.

He added: 'There are no other such facilities in Scotland.

'There simply is nowhere else residents can go to get the same level of care.'
Deaf Connections bosses blamed the closure on high running costs and the dwindling number of people being referred.

They pledged to do all they could to help residents find new accommodation.

Secondary teacher Edward and wife Liz, a sign language interpreter, sent letters to every MSP asking for their support in opposing the closure, without success.

But Martha Lynch, whose 95-year-old mum Sandra Taylor has been in Craigholme since September 1999, still hopes the charity will have a change of heart.

Martha explained: 'My mother suffers a number of medical conditions and has been so well cared for.

'The staff knows her so well and to put her in a strange environment would be difficult for all of us.'

The home has 29 residents, three short of capacity.

Chief executive Gordon Chapman expressed his 'deep regret' at the closure.
He said: 'A closure programme is being co- coordinated by Deaf Connections' community services team over the next 12 months.

'This will allow new care facilities and accommodation to be found for all current residents.

'It will also aid the re-deployment of staff through new opportunities and positions at Deaf Connections.'