A hero Scots mum has made the decision to separate from her family and move into the care home where she works during lockdown.
Kirsty Austin, 34, has been living with residents at Buckreddan Care Centre in Kilwinning since strict lockdown measures were put in place four weeks ago.
The 34-year-old, and colleague Michelle Dickson, 47, decided to up sticks and leave their families behind so they could protect their much-loved residents from the spread of coronavirus.
The care home houses 57 residents and so far hasn't had a confirmed of suspected case of the killer virus.
Mum-of-two Kirsty, from Kilwinning, hasn't seen partner Graham or her daughter Abbie-Ella, 14 and son Aaron, 12 since she temporarily moved out of the family home.
The senior carer said: "It's really hard not being able to see them but they know what I'm doing is for the best.
"We've been on FaceTime lots. Luckily they're at an age where they can understand what's going on so that makes it a bit easier.
"My partner Graham has came down a few times to drop stuff of for me but apart from that I've not seen them.
"The longer it goes on the harder it will get."
Team leader Michelle, from Irvine, has moved away from her daughter Leanne, 26, son-in-law Steven and granddaughter Ellie, 8.
As well as working their scheduled shifts, Michelle and Kirsty have been volunteering on their days and evenings off.
Kirsty added: "By doing what myself and Michelle are doing we are reducing the risk of the residents catching coronavirus.
"It also means we are constantly on hand to help the other staff when we're off shift.
"We're all making sure the residents stay in touch with their families as much as possible, by either video calling or sending pictures.
"It gives both parties some comfort during this tough time. We've also upped the activities to help keep them occupied. Most of them aren't fully aware of what's going on.
"We trying our hardest to keep it that way."
Michelle's proud mum Ellen Davis Mimmack said: "My daughter Kirsty and another Senior carer Michelle deserve a medal for this.
"What they are doing is truly is caring.
"The entire care team are outstanding including the care manager Theresa Fitzsimmons.
"They all go above and beyond."
