I have been inundated with emails regarding the recent decision by the Care Inspectorate to refuse Kiddiewinkles’ application to operate permanently from the Linden Centre, effectively forcing its closure.

Kiddiewinkles is an excellent family business that has provided exceptional levels of childcare for families in Huntly over the last 15 years and should be held up as an exemplar childcare business.

I have written to both the First Minister and Care Inspectorate urging them to review this appalling decision immediately and to express my extreme disappointment that the Care Inspectorate wouldn’t even attend a meeting to explain the decision to the parents who rely on the service

This decision will mean that the 40 families who currently depend on Kiddiewinkles will have no other options for childcare. This can in no way be considered in the best interest of these children or their families, who may have to reduce their working hours or leave jobs altogether to care for their children.

Alternative measures must be brought in by the Care Inspectorate and Scottish Government to support these families if this decision is upheld.