Preferred location chosen for new Skye hospital

Broadford has been chosen as the preferred location for Skye's new main hospital.

The site would also be used by the Scottish Ambulance Service and provide a base for community health and social care workers.

Under the proposals, Portree Hospital would also be upgraded.

NHS Highland said it would act as a smaller "spoke" hospital to the hub facility, to be built in Broadford.

A recommendation will now be made to the April meeting of the NHS Highland board to pave the way for a formal, three-month consultation on the full service model and possible site locations.

When that is complete, a final recommendation will be made to the board and then to Scottish government ministers.

A steering group set up by NHS Highland recommended the preferred location following a public consultation.

NHS Highland said the new hospital in Broadford would have X-ray and endoscopy facilities, and be able to carry out minor operations.

It would also have inpatient beds and offer outpatient chemotherapy, orthopaedic and chest services.

The health board said Portree would not have inpatient beds, but would offer outpatient services.