Parklands Care Homes is launching a £4 million expansion of its care facilities in Tain and Grantown-on-Spey to increase its capacity.

The group, which denies rumours that it is up for sale, are considered by market insiders to be extremely successful property developers. The expansion will add 22 bedrooms total.

The Tain two-storey extension will add 12 new bedrooms along with two dining rooms, assisted bathrooms, serveries and an outdoor terrace to Ihnis Mhor care home, and will cost £2.2m. Meanwhile the Grantown-on-Spey expansion will add 10 bedrooms, a dining room, servery, lounge, quiet area, assisted bathroom and staff changing facilities to Lynemore care home, and will cost £1.8m.

Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands, said: “These projects represent a significant investment in the future of social care in the Highlands. The care sector is under real strain, with more than 200 care home beds lost in the region over the past two years. At a time when capacity is shrinking, Parklands is investing in its communities and expanding to meet demand.”

The two homes each accommodate 40 residents but have extensive waiting lists. Seeking planning approval, work is expected to begin this year. The group is also building a new 58 bed home in Inverness, which is due to open later this spring.