Blind Man’s Family Slam Council for Eviction Before his Death
The family of a blind man has criticised North Lanarkshire Council for evicting him from his family home before his death. James Montague, 58, was evicted from his Motherwell home in February while he was in the hospital for a blood transfusion due to stage six kidney failure. Despite a consultant psychiatrist’s plea for him to stay in his home, citing it as “practically impossible” for him to be safely moved, James was forced out by sheriff officers.
James’s brother, Patrick, expressed anger towards the council for their actions, stating that James spent his final months in misery in an unsuitable upstairs flat away from the support of his family. James passed away last week at St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie, leaving his family devastated at the circumstances of his eviction from the home he had lived in for most of his life. Patrick Montague described the eviction as a “dreadful blow to his morale” as he knew he was dying.
The Daily Record had previously reported in February that James, who was blind and suffering from stage six kidney failure, had been given six months to live. Despite pleas from James himself and medical professionals to allow him to die in the home he had lived in for over 60 years, the council proceeded with the eviction. James had intended to move back into his original home but was unable to do so due to his deteriorating health.
North Lanarkshire Council declined to comment on the specific case but mentioned they have a legal obligation to follow tenancy arrangements and eviction laws. While expressing sympathy for James’s situation, the council noted that he held a tenancy with another housing provider who may be able to assist him.
The eviction of James Montague has sparked outrage and calls for more compassion and dignity in such sensitive circumstances. The family’s story highlights the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals at the mercy of bureaucratic processes and raises important questions about the treatment of those in need of care and understanding.