Families fight to keep vital respite home from closure

Families of children with complex support needs, who rely on respite services across Edinburgh and the Lothians, hope to prevent the closure of the vital respite services they rely on.

Murray has complex care needs, and mum and dad Laura and Mark provide round the clock support.

They told STV News that respite services can be vitally important for families like theirs, proving not only a highlight for Murray, but also a chance to catch up on sleep and to spend time with their other children.

NHS Lothian has been looking at the option of closing either its Calareidh or Sunndach services, based in Livingston.

The health board insists after the review began in November 2024 that no decisions have been made on the future of either service.