Highland Council Invests �431,000 In Home For Elderly At Pulteney House, Wick

1st February 2008

Pulteney House, Wick, a care home for 18 older people, was officially reopened today (Friday 1st February) following a �431,000 refurbishment. This is the sixth Highland run care home to be refurbished under the Council's programme of improvements at a total cost so far of �2.3 million. Residents were delighted to be able to return to the building which has seen improvements to comply with fire regulations and improved access for disabled people as well as redecoration and renewal of the carpets.

Residents were cared for at Caberfeidh sheltered housing scheme in Wick and at other local facilities during the refurbishment.

Councillor David Bremner, the Council's civic leader for Caithness, said in re-opening the home: "The investment at Wick provides modern and high quality services for older people in this area. We would like to thank residents and day care users - and their families - for their tolerance during the refurbishment. I know everyone will be happy with the upgrade of this very important community asset. Our staff involved have done wonderful work, supporting everyone throughout the period. They have done really well."
Other homes to benefit from an upgrade to meet new Care Commission standards are Bayview House, Thurso, Seaforth House, Golspie, Dail Mhor, Strontian, Strathburn House, near Gairloch, and the MacIntosh Centre, Mallaig.

Penny Cormack, Manager of Pulteney House, welcomed visitors and spoke of the high level of commitment from staff during the refurbishment. The new look interior of Pulteney House has been carried out under the expert guidance of local Interior Designer Antoinette Robertson-Carswell, who chose all the wallpaper coverings, paints, carpets and curtain fabrics.

Ms Cormack said: "With Antoinette's knowledge and expertise she not only created a warm, homely environment with a Scottish theme for the residents, she recognized the need for practicality and catering to a wide variety of tastes."

The contractor was GMR Henderson.