The demolition of the historic Crosslet House in Dumbarton started last week as it makes way for a new multi-million ‘super’ car home.

The £10million state-of-the-art care was initially expected to have 120 beds but it will now provide 84 beds.

The care home replaces Langcraigs, Willox Park and Dalreoch House care homes in Dumbarton along with Mount Pleasant Care Home in Old Kilpatrick and Dalreoch Day Care Centre.

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokeswoman said: “The layout of the new facility has been designed to utilise the outside space to create partially enclosed safe and accessible communal courtyards where residents can enjoy the stunning views over Dumbarton.” When councillors agreed to build the super care home it was said none of the homes it replaces were meeting current care standards regarding the size of bedrooms or having an en-suite.

Crosslet House dates from the late 19th century when it was built for Sheriff Humphrey Walter Campbell.

It remained a private home until around 1950 when it was formally opened as a children’s home, which closed in the 1970s.

The property was then used as council offices and most recently as a nursery, which closed two years ago.