Former Stornoway care home Blar Buidhe is now on the market and being touted as accommodation for renewable energy workers.

The former Simon’s Road care home, which transferred its last resident to Bremner Court in Goathill earlier this year, is being envisaged by sellers Christie & Co. as having a variety of possible future uses.

According to Christie & Co, they expect Blar Buidhe to attract interest from residential developers as well as for multiple commercial uses subject to planning permission.

Andrew Fyfe, associate director – care at Christie & Co, comments: “There is likely to be an increase in demand for accommodation to meet staffing requirements for the Stornoway Wind Farm project, which is just one of many renewable energy projects on the island.”

However, he did not dismiss the idea of Blar Buidhe reopening as a care home subject to Care Inspectorate approval.

He added: “The method of sale is asset sale, and the strong preference of the vendor is to consider offers on an unconditional basis.”

The asking price has not been disclosed. The listing states that offers are invited for the freehold investment.

Care Home operator HC-One announced its decision to close Blar Buidhe last year. Following discussions with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, HC-One confirmed that It would remain open until the last resident had found appropriate alternative care.

The Goathill housing development was officially opened in March 2024. It consists of the 52-bedroom Taigh Shiphoirt Care Home, the 50-unit Bremner Court’ Housing with Extra Care’ development and 74 affordable homes.

Bremner Court provides a 15-bed respite facility on the ground floor with 35 flats on the first and second floors, which enable people to live independently in their own homes while having support provided to meet their specific needs.

Image credit - Christie & Co.