Caithness Maternity Services

Convener Councillor Alison Magee said: "I am delighted that chairman Garry Coutts and the NHS Highland Board members are responding so positively to the consultation over the future of maternity services to identify a sustainable solution. The move recognises the huge importance of health services to the social and economic wellbeing of a rural community, such as Caithness and North Sutherland."

Councillor David Flear, Convener of the Council’s Caithness Area Committee, echoed the Convener’s view.

He said: "This is wonderful news for Caithness and North Sutherland. We could not have asked for a more positive outcome. It is a fitting reward for all the hard work and endless hours of campaigning and lobbying by the North Action Group, councillors, the local enterprise company, community leaders and the public."

He paid tribute to the leadership provided by community spokesman, George Bruce as well as NHS Highland Board Vice-Chairman David Alston during consultation with community groups in Caithness and North Sutherland.