The Highland Council has advanced plans to redevelop the former St Vincent's Hospital site in Kingussie, clearing a rear extension and entering the design and planning stages for affordable homes, with a planning application targeted for November 2026.

Since taking ownership of the property, the council prioritised demolition of the rear extension to improve the site and enable the next phase of development.

Housing and Property Committee Chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: "I am pleased to see continued progress at the former St Vincent's Hospital site, which represents an important opportunity to deliver much-needed affordable housing in Kingussie.

"A range of potential future uses for the site were carefully considered. Following assessment, affordable housing was identified as the option that would deliver the greatest benefit to the community while making the best use of this prominent site.

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"Since acquiring the property, significant progress has been made, including the demolition of the rear extension, and the project is now moving through the design and planning stages.

"Subject to ongoing discussions the Council anticipates submitting a planning application in November 2026, to include a mix of affordable housing, comprising of 28 units of 2 and 3 bed flats and 3 bed houses. The tenure will be determined through the planning process.

"If approved, the project would then move into the procurement stage, with a works contract potentially being awarded by summer 2027.

"Redeveloping this vacant site as affordable housing would make an important contribution towards addressing local housing need, bringing an empty property back into use and delivering lasting benefits for Kingussie and the wider area."

The council noted that video footage of the hospital's interior currently circulating on social media is not recent and does not reflect the site's present condition or status.

The property remains fenced off, secured and closed to the public. The authority warned that any unauthorised access, including where security measures are damaged, removed or bypassed, may constitute a criminal offence.

Members of the public are urged not to enter the building due to significant health and safety risks associated with vacant properties. The council will continue to monitor the site and maintain appropriate security as redevelopment proposals progress.