Police Scotland is investigating deaths that took place at HC-One’s Fullarton Care Home during the Covid pandemic.

The move is part of a probe by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) into Covid-linked deaths at care homes in Scotland.

Assistant chief constable Bex Smith said: “We understand how upsetting and difficult this is for the many families who lost loved ones as a result of the Covid pandemic. Police Scotland is supporting the COPFS review into deaths in care homes. While we continue to gather information, a number of investigations have now commenced at the request of COPFS. As the investigations are ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

A spokesperson for HC-One said: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with all those who lost loved ones during the pandemic.

“Police Scotland, on the instruction of the COPFS are investigating all deaths that occurred in all care homes across Scotland during this time, and we are cooperating fully and openly in line with this national review.”

The news came after the CQC last week dropped a prosecution over care home Covid deaths at Vale View Heights, formerly known as Holmesley Nursing Home in Sidmouth, Devon, due to a lack of evidence.