A £5.3million care home in Glasgow has been officially opened after a firebug attack delayed the revamp project for the building.

Buchanan Lodge in Castlemilk, which provides residential accommodation for 40 elderly and vulnerable homeless men in the South Side, has now been opened by Glasgow's Lord Provost Councillor Sadie Docherty.

The building, which dates from the 1960s and which served as a home for the elderly, was bought by Cassiltoun Housing Association from Glasgow City Council back in 2009.

The authority intended to refurbish the building but, while plans were being drawn up, the property was torched.

Two wings were so badly damaged in the fire-raising attack that they had to be demolished and redevelopment work was delayed until last October.

In June, this year, the work was completed and included 40 ensuite wet room bedrooms.

Charlie Millar, chief executive officer of CHA, said: "I am delighted that Buchanan Lodge is once again open.

"The aim of the redevelopment was to provide elderly and vulnerable homeless men with a pleasant environment in which they could receive care and we have definitely achieved this."

Margaret Stevenson, director of Talbot Association which is the care provider, said it was great to see Buchanan Lodge opened.

She added: "Not only will it make a huge difference to the lives of the men who will stay here, but the new facilities will provide staff with the perfect environment in which to provide high quality care."

Lord Provost Docherty said she was "delighted," to open the care home.

matty.sutton@eveningtimes.co.uk