Residents at a north-east care home face an uncertain future after bosses announced it was for the axe.
The Glenesk centre at Turriff is due to close within months, leaving families facing a frantic search for places elsewhere.
Bosses at Renaissance Care said it had proved too difficult to recruit staff and the home was no longer financially viable.
One shocked relative branded the move “an absolute disgrace” last night, saying she had no idea where she would find alternative accommodation for her frail mother-in-law.
She attended a meeting with representatives from Renaissance on Monday night, along with other family members and residents, but described it as “a waste of time”.
“I still haven’t had any luck with my mother-in-law and I don’t know what I’m going to do. I think a few other families are in a similar position,” she said.
“There are no spaces in the area and I’m not prepared to move her into Aberdeen – that’s 35 miles away.
“This has been a shock and it’s hitting everyone. It’s like the families of Turriff have been forgotten, it’s an absolute disgrace.
“More than 20 residents will now be forced to find somewhere else to live. This is their home.
“We’ve basically been told we have to get out. That’s it.”
The Care Inspectorate, Aberdeenshire Council and Aberdeen City Council are now working to support families affected by the closure.
Glenesk has performed highly in recent Care Inspectorate reports but the Press and Journal understands a reliance on expensive agency staff may have contributed to Renaissance Care’s decision to close the 29-bed private home.
A spokeswoman for the care firm, which took over its management in October 2013, said: “To close a care home is always a last resort but, despite strenuous efforts and investment over recent years, Glenesk could not be made viable, both financially and through the challenges of recruiting staff in such a rural location.
“It is testament to the efforts of both staff and management that the home has always enjoyed a very good reputation for its standard of care, and our efforts now are directed to ensuring this commitment extends fully throughout the period of transition.
The spokeswoman added that Renaissance Care was liaising with the authorities in an effort to re-home residents, and that the closure of the home would likely take “a few months”.
Last night Banff and Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford said: “I was concerned to learn that Glenesk House is to be closed under these circumstances.
“This announcement will cause uncertainty and disruption for residents and their relatives, and it is vital that Renaissance Care works with the local authority to find alternative arrangements for the residents.”
Aberdeenshire East MSP and former First Minister Alex Salmond added: “The news has understandably been a cause of great concern and I have been in touch with Renaissance Care and Aberdeenshire Council to seek assurances over the continuing care of all the residents.
“The community of Turriff is very close to my heart and I would ask anyone affected to contact me at my constituency office.”