Dundee will look to the other side of the world to replace the city’s much-loved Little Sister movement.
The Little Sisters a group of nuns who lived in the city for more than 150 years left their Wellburn residence last year due to a lack of interest in the movement.
It has emerged that nuns from South America and Africa will be sought, after the Diocese of Dunkeld revealed there is a lack of nuns available throughout Europe.
The news comes as it was confirmed that plans to build a new 60-room care home for older people on the site where the Little Sisters used to stay are under way, after proposals were submitted to Dundee City Council.
The diocese plans to build an extension or create an entirely new facility that will allow it to care for older residents on a much larger scale.
Some 36 people are cared for in the facility at the moment.
Diocesan Chancellor Malcolm Veal spoke to The Courier this week and revealed his desire to add to the existing facility and to fill the void left by the Little Sisters’ exit by looking to South America and Africa for new recruits.
He said: “Plans are in place to replace the existing Wellburn Home, which has stood for 153 years.
“We acquired the site from the Little Sisters when they left and wish to create a facility with an essence of spirituality and care.
“The bishop has a vision of what he would like to happen but things are at an early stage.
“We are actively looking for a new group of nuns to come in and have a religious presence.
“We are looking at places like Africa and South America, as there are just so few nuns left on the continent or in the UK.
“Wellburn Home was absolutely underpinned by the work of the Little Sisters and they were greatly loved throughout the city of Dundee.
“It’s quite important for us to replace them and have the home exactly as it was.
“We are looking at the prospect of raising money at the moment and are considering all options”