'Let’s get the ball rolling to replace Raigmore' urges Highland MSP
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Edward Mountain has asked the First Minister to support NHS Highland in developing a range of plans to replace Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
He has written directly both to Humsa Yousaf and Health Secretary Michael Matheson requesting that the board is supported now, ahead of the Scottish Government’s release of its infrastructure plans for new hospitals in 2025.
With NHS Highland, the Cabinet Secretary Health and the First Minister all acknowledging that the current Raigmore Hospital is not fit for the future, Mr Mountain is pressing for the work on planning proposals to begin now to ensure a brand new facility is ahead of the queue for funding from the 2026-2031 capital infrastructure programme.
Mr Mountain MSP wrote: “As you will be aware, I continue to campaign for a brand new acute general teaching hospital in the Highlands to replace the Raigmore facility. Since launching this campaign in March 2023, I am pleased to report the following successful progress:
"500+ signatures for a petition to replace Raigmore with a brand new acute general teaching hospital
"An acknowledgement from NHS Highland that the Raigmore facility is not sustainable for the longer term
"A recognition from the Cabinet Secretary for Health that Raigmore will require 'significant investment'
"And an acceptance from yourself that significant investment in the Raigmore facility would either entail a full refurbishment or replacement."
The MSP continued: “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.
“With that in mind, I would be very grateful if you could confirm what actions the Scottish Government has taken during your tenure as Cabinet Secretary for Health and is now taking under your successor’s tenure to work closely with NHS Highland on identifying the best way forward with regards to this specific project?”
Mr Mountain commented after sending the letter: “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.
“If the Highlands is to stand the best chance of receiving capital funding for a new hospital two years from now, then developing plans for the replacement facility must begin as urgently as possible."
Mr Mountain explaine; “That’s why I have written to the First Minister and I would urge him to make available the necessary support NHS Highland needs to put together proposals for this project.
“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 Highland.
“We need to see that the Scottish Government and NHS Highland are truly committed to delivering a replacement hospital.”
Edward Mountain MSP is also planning to use his summer surgery tour to collect more petition signatures in-person.
