First Minister urged by north MSP to make replacement of Raigmore hospital a priority

A NORTH MSP wants First Minister, Humza Yousaf, to make the replacement of Raigmore hospital in Inverness a priority for the Scottish Government's captial investment programme between 2026 and 2031.

Edward Mountain, a Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, says plans for a redesign of the facility should be undertaken now. "Let’s get the ball rolling on developing plans to replace Raigmore," he said.

Mr Mountain points out that NHS Highland, Michael Matheson, the Scottish cabinet secretary for health and the First Minister have acknowledged the existing hospital is not fit for the future. Mr Mountain is campaigning for a new

acute general teaching hospital in the Highlands to replace the Raigmore facility. He launched his campaign in March and has already received over 500 signatures.

In an email to the First Minister, Mr Mountain, said: "As both the Scottish Government and NHS Highland clearly agree that the current Raigmore facility will not be fit for the future, and with public support for a new solution growing, I believe that now is the time for work to begin on drawing up proposals for a redesign. Indeed, if NHS Highland is to have the best chance of being considered a top priority for the Scottish Government’s round of capital infrastructure investment for 2026-2031, then preparing proposals for Raigmore’s replacement should begin as soon as possible."

He urged Mr Yousaf to "work closely" with the health authority to identify "the best way forward" for the project.

Speaking later, Mr Mountain, said: "Momentum is clearly growing for a brand new acute general teaching hospital to replace Raigmore. However, we cannot afford to let this early progress drift. While I welcome the words of acknowledgement from the Scottish Government and NHS Highland that the current Raigmore Hospital is not fit for the future, it is action that counts.

"I would urge the First Minister to make available the necessary support NHS Highland needs to put together proposals for this project."

Mr Mountain added: "I am determined not to let this issue slip from the Scottish Government’s radar – we cannot have a repeat of the delays we’ve seen to other crucial infrastructure projects in the Highlands which have impacted the A9 dualling programme, rural broadband or the delivery of HMP (His Majesty's Prison) Highland.

"We need to see that the Scottish Government and NHS Highland are truly committed to delivering a replacement hospital."

The MSP is planning to use his summer surgery tour to collect more petition signatures.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.