NHS Highland has signed a £40million contract with hub North Scotland to develop two community hospitals in Aviemore and Broadford.

Following the Scottish Government's approval of the joint Full Business Case in May, the board signed a contract with hub North Scotland Ltd to design and build two new community hospitals.

Deborah Jones, NHS Highland's director of strategic commissioning, planning and performance, said: "We are delighted to achieve this significant milestone which marks the start of construction of two exciting new hospitals for the communities of Badenoch & Strathspey and Skye, Lochalsh & South West Ross.

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"This substantial investment in our estate will act as a springboard to enable the redesign of health and care services in these localities. I look forward to the construction work getting underway and to see the two new hospitals begin to take shape over the coming months."

Michael Padzinski, chief executive of hub North Scotland, said: "A lot of hard work has been carried out by all the stakeholders to reach this crucial stage. We are now looking forward to working together to deliver two top-class health facilities, which will bring huge benefits to these communities."

Balfour Beatty has been appointed as the main building contractor. The facilities are designed by architects Oberlanders and Rural Design; mechanical, electrical & plumbing contractor Rybka, and civil and structural engineers Waterman Ltd.

Construction is due to start in Aviemore at the end of July, and Broadford mid-August, with completion of both hospitals scheduled by Spring 2021.