In February, NHS Highland submitted the planning application for the new Lochaber Hospital. 

The proposed hospital has been designed to provide healthcare facilities that cater for the ongoing needs of patients, hospital staff and visitors.  

The planning approval makes the replacement for the Belford Hospital become a closer prospect. 

Low-carbon and sustainable design strategies have been implemented in the design, with the need for efficient clinical delivery and a resilient environment having also influenced the design process. 

Fiona Davies, NHS Highland’s chief executive, said: “This is the culmination of a lot of hard work and planning by our colleagues in Lochaber and the wider teams. They have gone over and above to help us secure this milestone and I am grateful for their efforts.

“We also recognise the work of our partners in this project, Balfour Beatty and Keppie Design, and we will continue to work closely with them throughout the next steps of this exciting process.

“We continue to build momentum with this project and I am excited about working closely with our partners and local communities as we take the next steps forward together.”

NHS Highland continues to engage with local communities to ensure they are kept in the loop as the project unfolds.