Kingussie Fire Station to be used as Covid testing centre from tomorrow
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Testing kits for people with coronavirus symptoms will be available for collection from Kingussie fire station and several others in the region from tomorrow.
People within driving or walking distance of the town – as well as the stations in Gairloch, Lairg and Fort Augustus – who have Covid symptoms will be able to collect test kits.
The scheme is being run in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to make testing more accessible to people living in remoter areas.
Tests can now be booked by calling NHS Highland on 01463 706015.
Instructions will be supplied with the test kits which can then be returned the same day using a nearby priority post box.
Public Health Minister Mairi Gougeon announced earlier this month that access to Covid-19 testing would be expanded to 21 fire stations in remote and rural areas of Scotland following the success of trials in Thurso and Lochgilphead.
Ms Gougeon said: “The expansion of our fire station testing programme will make it far easier for people in these areas to get tested.
"I am very grateful to the SFRS, Argyll and Bute Council, Highland Council, and NHS Highland for their support to make this possible, following the success of our initial trial.
“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring people with Covid symptoms can easily access a test no matter where they are in the country, and we will continue to work with the UK Government and local partners to improve access to Covid testing in remote and rural areas.”
Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens, Director of Service Delivery for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are pleased that the success of the initial trial in Thurso and Lochgilphead now means that many more fire stations can assist rural communities to access Covid-19 tests closer to home.
"Our staff have shown a real commitment to providing this service, whilst maintaining a capability to respond to emergencies, and I want to personally thank them for their ongoing efforts.
"We will continue to support the Scottish Government, our partners and communities wherever possible through this pandemic.”
