A care home in Dumbarton where 11 people died of Covid-19 during the early stages of the pandemic has been highly praised by inspectors nearly two years on.

Crosslet House Care Home, located on Argyll Avenue, had an unannounced inspection from the Care Inspectorate from December 13-14.

The facility, which is run by West Dunbartonshire Council and has been open for five years, received two top “ very good” ratings.

In feedback provided to inspectors, it was noted that staff have a good connection with local healthcare professionals to ensure that the residents needs were met.

One person said: "We would highly recommend Crosslet House to any families who find themselves in the difficult position of having to place their mother, father, or relative in a care home."

Inspectors also heard how there was a dedicated activity team who had built up links with the community including great intergenerational work with a local primary school which residents enjoyed.

This also included the involvement with the local choir and the service were able to tap into the attached day centre too.

One resident added: "I join in when I get the chance. I like face to face. I go to the day centre here on a Wednesday as I used to go there before I stayed here.

"I go and see my friends there. I've got a little boy from Braehead School that I Facetime. I'm going to their nativity."

In the report published last week it said: "We found that infection prevention and control procedures helped to protect people from infection.

"The general environment was clean, tidy, and free from any offensive odours. Arrangements were in place, to ensure that frequently touched surfaces, like handrails and light switches were kept clean.

"Cleaning schedules were in place to ensure that all areas of the care home were included, in the domestic staffs' routine, which ensured that no areas were missed out."

Previously the Reporter told how Crosslet House was at the centre of a row in the early weeks of the pandemic in 2020 amid reports that around 11 residents at the home had died after testing positive for Covid-19 in April of that year.

And two years ago today (December 23), it was also reported that 101-year-old woman Chrissie Watson had become the first care home resident in the town to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

Read more: Dumbarton woman, 101, is town's first care home resident to get Covid-19 vaccine

At the time she said: “I thought it was very important to take part and support this vaccine with the hope we can all move forward from this terrible pandemic."

West Dunbartonshire Council has been approached for comment.