[1] A story line involving one of the programme's main characters, Sandy Richardson, saw the son of the hotel boss become paraplegic as a result of a road accident.
During their research, producers consulted with local people with disabilities and found that there was little or no support for their carers - many of whom seldom received any form of break from their role.
The idea of a Scottish sister organisation was first mooted in 1978 and was taken forward by Jimmy Whittle, a retired accountant and one time professional footballer with Hearts.
[2] Carers are viewed by the government as an important resource and in recent years have been given increasing recognition in health and social care policy.
In 2017 the charity was named by the UK the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy as one of a number which had failed to pay its staff the national minimum wage.