New clinic for Raasay

The residents of Raasay will soon have a new clinic thanks to a joint venture involving NHS Highland, The Highland Council and Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association.   

The new facility in a former Highland Council building in Inverarish village offers patients modern and spacious facilities that comply with the relevant health care legislation. It also provides built in accommodation for the nursing team.  

The local community will have an opportunity to view the property during an open day event to be held during the afternoon of Tuesday March 29 and the nurses will move in from Thursday March 31.

The new clinic replaces the old nurses’ house on Raasay, which was no longer fit for purpose as a health care facility. For sometime, NHS Highland had been looking for appropriate accommodation on the island and was delighted when the council building became available. The housing association has also purchased the old nurses’ house to provide a home for affordable rent, once refurbished. 

Kate Earnshaw, who is Clinical Services Development Manager for Skye, Lochalsh, Ross, Cromarty and West Ness, said: “This is fantastic for the community of Raasay and the nursing team.  

“NHS Highland has always been committed to continuing to provide a quality clinical service to the island and the new premises will ensure health care is delivered in an environment that is modern and accessible for the public.  

“We are very grateful to The Highland Council and LSHA for all their support in ensuring this development progressed smoothly.” 

She explained that Highland Council gave NHS Highland the opportunity to purchase the building and left some items of equipment and furniture that will be useful for the clinic.

Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association’s Development Officer, John Lamont, said: “Providing affordable accommodation on Raasay has always been a challenge so we are extremely pleased to have had this opportunity to increase our housing stock on the island.“  

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