Inverness man says ‘give me back my dignity’ after council tell him to widen home search away from friends and family
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A man who cannot use his own toilet in privacy is pleading with Highland Council to rehome him.
Council tenant Barry MacDowell (46) and partner Emma Doyle (34), who both have MS, are at “the end of their tether” because they feel they are being discriminated against in their search for suitable accommodation.
The couple, who have an eight-year-old son Corbhan, are living in a two-bed bungalow in Kinmylies Way and want to stay in that area of the city.
They say they have been told by a housing officer to widen their home search – but that will take them away from friends and family who offer them vital support.
Wheelchair–bound Mr MacDowell and Ms Doyle urgently require space to store healthcare equipment.
Mr MacDowell, a former taxi driver, who supports charities such as Highland Hospice, said: “It is just not good enough, we need more space.
“I cannot even get into the bathroom in my wheelchair.”
Partner Ms Doyle, who moved from Portsmouth after meeting Mr MacDowell through a MS support group almost two years ago, said: “We are at the end of our tether and we do not know where to turn.
“I am sleeping on the floor in the living room, we have no space.
“I have a brain tumour, MS and I am diabetic and I care for Barry, as during the pandemic it has been very difficult to get carers to come to the house.”
She continued: “Not that it is happening at the moment, but if we have visitors to the house, they all need to go outside or leave if Barry needs to use the toilet as it is impossible for him to get into the room without taking the door off.
“This house was not built for someone who is in a wheelchair.We have been struggling for a long time now, and we have been offered adaptations to the house, but recently we were told the council does not want to make the changes we need in the kitchen and bathroom.
“I was told to keep one piece of equipment in the middle of the living room, but that would mean he would be unable to move about in his own home.
“Barry should be able to get about and make his own coffee, rather than become dependent on other people.
“There are lots of pieces of equipment that would make our lives easier, but we just simply have nowhere to store them. We are desperate for a solution.”
She added: “We have been told there are no houses in Kinmylies for us, but we know there are three bedroomed houses available to let in Kinmylies that are due to be let out.
“We need to stay here because this is where all our family and friends are who offer us support. Corbhan goes to school in Kinmylies – for our mental health it is important that we find something locally.”
Mr MacDowell’s mum, Lynda MacDowell, said: “Barry’s dad, Iain, had MS so I know what it is like to live with on a daily basis.
“This week, after a visit with a housing officer, Barry had his head in his hands and was crying out for help. We need to do something. For both Barry and Emma and we need to try and sort it out soon.
“I just want someone to listen to them, and to help.”
