More work to progress Aviemore and Skye hospital plans

The board of NHS Highland has approved the next steps in plans to improve community hospitals.

It has been proposed to build a new hospital in Aviemore and close two small sites in Kingussie and Grantown on Spey.

Skye's Portree and Broadford hospitals could be modernised and one turned into a main hub, under separate plans.

Board members have agreed further work should now be carried out to progress the projects.

A three-month public consultation will be held on the Aviemore plan, while an appraisal will be carried out to help the board to decide the best site for the Skye hub.

Maimie Thompson, of NHS Highland, said: "We are in the middle of a very long process in which the input of people in both communities is crucial.

"I understand that the public will focus on our hospitals in both areas, but I must stress that they are not a done deal."