A fresh chapter has begun for Moss Park Care Home in Fort William.
The official transfer of care services from private operator HC-One to NHS Highland is now complete.
The handover follows months of work between NHS Highland and The Highland Council to secure the future of the home.
The Highland Council has now purchased the home while NHS Highland takes over daily operations and care provision.
This move ensures continued care for residents and a stable future for staff and families.
The transition was first announced in November 2024 and has since progressed steadily behind the scenes.
Now, all contracts have been finalised and the service is fully under local authority ownership and NHS delivery.
Pamela Stott, Chief Officer of the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership, confirmed the deal had been completed.
She acknowledged the uncertainty faced by residents, staff and families during the changeover period.
Letters have now gone out to everyone connected to the home confirming the transfer.
Pamela Stott said the transition highlights the Partnership’s wider commitment to rural health and care services.
She stressed the importance of working with the Lochaber community to improve and protect local care.
Councillor David Fraser also welcomed the completed transfer.
He said the outcome brings assurance for everyone involved in Moss Park.
Fraser thanked all staff across both organisations for making the deal happen.
He also credited support from the Scottish Government in helping finalise the process.
Both the Council and NHS Highland are now focusing on creating more sustainable care models for the Lochaber region.
There is now optimism that the new structure will lead to more stability and better long-term outcomes for residents.
With the operational shift complete, attention turns to maintaining quality care and building stronger community links.
The move marks a shift away from private operation and towards a publicly owned and delivered model of social care.
It also reflects a wider trend of investing in rural and remote services where access and sustainability remain challenges.
For now, the residents of Moss Park can be assured of continuity and care delivered by familiar staff under new management.
And for Lochaber as a whole, this could signal the beginning of a more community-centred approach to care provision.
