An Aberdeenshire care home is to be temporarily shut down amid safety concerns.

Muirhead care home near Alford, which looks after 35 elderly residents, is to close on August 31, pending a full hearing to consider formal closure.

This comes after the care home failed an inspection by the Care Inspectorate.

The issue was taken to Aberdeen Sheriff Court, amid fears it is severely understaffed and residents are not being fed properly.

The report from the inspection also stated that they found evidence of vulnerable people being tied to chairs with belts.

On Friday, the court decided to grant an Interim Suspension Order.

Staff from Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership will be in the care home over the weekend to help ensure residents are cared for "safely and properly".

Chief executive of the Care Inspectorate, Karen Reid, said: "Our last inspection found highly distressing conditions.

"We saw evidence of vulnerable people being tied to chairs with belts, which is extremely dangerous and unacceptable.

"Residents were not getting enough food.

"There were not enough staff on hand to help people who really needed support.

"Some people were not given essential medicines.

She added: "We found a lack of appreciation as to why these things are so unacceptable.

"I welcome the Sheriff Court granting an interim suspension order preventing the care home operating after August 31, pending a full hearing.

"We have made referrals to nursing regulators and the police, and are working closely with Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership to support residents to move to other care homes where they will be cared for safely and with compassion.

"Most care in Scotland is good or better, but we will not hesitate to address unsatisfactory and weak care wherever we see it."