NHS Lothian has announced the appointment of Kier as the Principal Supply Chain Partner for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art eye hospital.

The multi-million pound facility will replace the existing Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion (PAEP) and is set to be located at the Little France BioQuarter campus in Edinburgh.

The project represents a significant investment in Scotland's healthcare infrastructure, positioning the new hospital as a regional hub of excellence. It will provide specialist services—including paediatric surgery, neuro-ophthalmology, and surgical retinal services—to patients across Lothian, NHS Borders, Fife, and Tayside. By joining the Edinburgh BioQuarter, the hospital will be situated alongside the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, and the University of Edinburgh's clinical research facilities.

Kier secured the role bringing extensive experience in ophthalmic construction, having previously delivered the NHS Golden Jubilee Eye Hospital in Glasgow and the Sunderland Eye Infirmary.

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Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, said: "We are pleased to appoint Kier as our Principal Supply Chain Partner and take the next step in the process towards opening a new eye hospital in Lothian. We are delighted that the hospital is becoming a reality and that makes this milestone even more exciting. I would like to thank our teams for their commitment and endurance throughout the planning of this project – I know this step will mean a great deal to them."

Health Secretary Neil Gray added: "The appointment of a Principal Supply Chain Partner for the new Eye Hospital marks an important milestone for eye care in Lothian and the south-east of Scotland. The dedicated teams currently working in the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion have a world-class reputation for innovation, treatment and patient care. They deserve a modern, purpose-built facility that matches their expertise and supports the thousands of patients who rely on their services each year."

The new facility is designed to provide a purpose-built environment that supports thousands of surgical, inpatient, and outpatient cases annually, addressing the limitations of the current PAEP building.

Sean Fenner, Managing Director, Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: "We are proud to be the Principal Supply Chain Partner for NHS Lothian to deliver early construction works at the new Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion – a new Centre of Excellence that will transform eye care for patients across the region. Our team brings unrivalled expertise, shaped by landmark projects such as the NHS Golden Jubilee Eye Hospital and Sunderland Eye Infirmary, and informed by best practice from leading ophthalmic centres in the UK and internationally."