The unit has provided safe and welcoming accommodation for a variety of service users since even before South Lanarkshire Council was created and took it over in 1996.

Following a strategic review of temporary accommodation needs across the area, it was announced earlier this year that Lindsay House would close by the end of the current financial year.

That closure is confirmed today following the departure of the unit’s final resident, and plans are in development to demolish the existing building with the intention that new affordable housing will be provided on the site, subject to statutory permissions.

Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “Lindsay House split local opinion, but what is beyond doubt is that it proved a refuge for many local people in their hour of need.

“It is no longer fit for purpose, but as its doors close for the final time I hope we can reflect that it provided a very necessary service that helped a good number of people, many of them very vulnerable and many of them just young adults.”

Chair of the council’s Housing and Technical Resources Committee, Councillor Davie McLachlan, said: “The council has been working with service users to relocate them to more suitable accommodation with appropriate support services in place.

“We are committed to continue to develop and enhance the temporary accommodation portfolio and a new model is currently under consideration.”