Last-minute reprieve for MS respite home

Leuchie House, in East Lothian, which was due to close on Friday, will continue to run as present for the next six months and then be transferred to an organisation fronted by the current centre manager, Mairi O'Keefe.

The news was welcomed by campaigners who have collected more than 12,000 signatures demanding it stay open.

Campaigner Moni Robson said: "It is brilliant news. Fantastic, we are very very pleased. We are not really sure what is happened, what has changed their minds. Leuchie was meant to close its doors forever this Friday. It is just a shame that the guests and staff have had this uncertainty hanging over them."

The MS Society announced in June that it would no longer provide residential care for people with MS and their families, sparking a campaign to keep respite homes open across the UK.

At a meeting this month there were calls for David McNiven, Scottish director of the MS Society, to resign over his handling of the crisis. The criticism of the charity followed a crisis last year, when Harry Potter author JK Rowling, whose mother had MS, stood down as Scottish patron, saying it had "changed beyond recognition".

Yesterday the charity said it was extending its support for Leuchie House in order to help a rescue bid get off the ground. It is understood the new management plans to open the centre to people with other long-term conditions, which the MS Society is forbidden to do under the terms of its constitution.

Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the MS Society said: "This is a really encouraging and welcome development. Leuchie House is much loved by the people who visit it and we have always been committed to finding an alternative provider to help keep it open. It is still early days, but we have had a positive response from the property's owners to this new bid and look forward to working with all concerned to help secure the future of Leuchie House for people with MS."

Scottish labour leader Iain Gray welcomed the reprieve. "I am delighted that this has now happened, and Mairi O Keefe will now be able to explore ideas for a sustainable future for Leuchie House," he said. "I have promised to work with Mairi and give her whatever support I can in developing a business case and seeking alternative funders.

"Although this is a temporary reprieve, it does at least give Leuchie House a chance, and at the very least another six months when people can benefit from the care Leuchie provides."

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, added: "This is excellent news for those who depend on Leuchie House for respite care.I've been overwhelmed by the support for the campaign."

Ms O'Keefe added: "I am very happy to be working with the MS Society to ensure the venture is successful."