A special Crown Office unit was set up in May 2020 to examine Covid-linked deaths at 474 care homes in Scotland.

Prosecutors will eventually decide if the deaths should be the subject of a fatal accident inquiry or prosecution.

In July 2020 data analysed by BBC Scotland revealed 47% of the deaths from the virus in the North Ayrshire council area could be “attributed” to Fullerton Care Home.

It was previously issued with “a letter of serious concern”, external after the Care Inspectorate observed a variety of issues including cleanliness and staff “lacking understanding of infection control practices”.

In May 2020 the watchdog also found “inconsistent use” of personal protective equipment (PPE), adding some staff appeared “not to understand or follow” public health guidance in place at the time.

It said the “poor standard of cleanliness of the home was not protecting the health, welfare and safety needs of people using the service”.