Standing Against the Closure of Our Sheltered Housing Schemes

After months of campaigning, the collective voices of residents, their friends and families and community advocates have resonated with the council. We are pleased with the significant step forward: the introduction of a new, enhanced housing model that will be implemented across eight housing schemes.

However we are also profoundly disappointed that on the 4th of July 2025, the Communities Committee made a decision that deeply affects many lives across Aberdeenshire: the closure of the following Sheltered Housing Schemes was agreed—Albany Court (Fraserburgh), Cumrye (Cuminestown), Mearns Court (Laurencekirk), Renouard Court (St Fergus), Malcolm Forbes Court (Rosehearty), and Burnside Court (Portsoy).

This decision has sent shockwaves through our communities. We categorically reject the notion that nothing further can be done to safeguard these valuable homes. The recent actions of Aberdeenshire Council demonstrate that innovation and adaptation are possible; after all, a new operational model has been found to keep eight other schemes open for the foreseeable future. The pressing question remains: why can a similar solution not be identified for the schemes now earmarked for closure?

The closure of housing schemes reverberates far beyond the bricks and mortar of the buildings themselves. It disrupts established communities, upends lives, and risks plunging vulnerable individuals into uncertainty. These schemes are often more than just places to live; they are networks of support, sources of stability, and, for many, the difference between hope and despair.

The council, confronted by budgetary constraints, may feel compelled to make difficult decisions. Yet, it is precisely in such challenging times that the spirit of our society is tested. We are obliged to ask: Can we do better? Can we reimagine housing in a way that preserves dignity, promotes independence, and fosters a true sense of belonging?

We believe that every effort must be made to prevent the closure of any of these homes. The reasons offered, whatever their nature, cannot justify the displacement of vulnerable residents or the fracturing of close-knit communities. Our commitment is unwavering, we stand shoulder to shoulder with friends, family, and neighbours in a united campaign to keep these homes open.

A central concern is the lack of transparency surrounding the selection criteria used to determine the fate of each scheme. We have scant information on how three schemes were chosen to remain as Sheltered Housing, eight were designated for conversion to "Enhanced Housing," and six have been marked for closure. Allegedly, these decisions are based on a set of scorecards compiled after a review of all 56 schemes. However, the results are far from clear. It is troubling to note that some schemes with low scores have not been included among the 17 schemes threatened with closure. This inconsistency raises doubts about the validity and fairness of the selection process.

Moreover, there is a growing sense of unease that rural schemes have been disproportionately targeted for closure. It appears that accommodation in smaller communities is being deprioritised in favour of town-centre locations, calling into question the council’s commitment to the principle of "Live Well Locally." There is a real fear that the needs and voices of rural residents are being marginalised and that the unique value of rural living is being overlooked.

In response, we pledge to work closely with each affected scheme to listen, understand, and advocate for their residents’ needs and wishes. We will ensure that these concerns are clearly presented to council officers and the Communities Committee before their next meeting in November 2025.

Our appeal is simple but urgent: we ask everyone in our communities to stand with us. By signing and sharing our petition, you can help us demonstrate the strength of local feeling and the importance of these homes to so many.

Let us come together to protect not only buildings, but the heart of our communities, our shared future, our dignity, and our right to live well locally.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone in Aberdeenshire for your ongoing encouragement and unwavering support. Time and again, you have shown how a community can come together to make a difference. Your compassion never ceases to inspire us.

Please remember, there is absolutely no requirement to make a donation. What truly matters is that you choose to share this petition, helping us spread the word and gather more voices for our cause. Every share brings us one step closer to making real change.

Thank you, Aberdeenshire, for standing with us. Your generosity of spirit is a beacon of hope, and together, we will continue to achieve great things.