Campaigners battling against a controversial shake-up of hospital services on Skye will take their case to Holyrood again today.
The Scottish Parliament’s petitions committee will consider concerns about the downgrading of medical services in Portree.
Broadford was chosen in 2014 as the location for the main “hub” hospital on the island, with the larger community of Portree to host a smaller “spoke” health centre.
The decision was met with an angry response in the north of the island, with residents forming a campaign group to oppose the downgrading of facilities in Portree.
Last year, the SOS NHS Skye campaign group delivered a 4,500-name petition to Holyrood to urge MSPs to call for an independent investigation into the plans.
In September, the petitions committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government asking ministers to review the decision.
Health Secretary Shona Robison subsequently refused the request.
Campaigners have since made further submissions, including analysis from the renowned economist Professor Ronald MacDonald, who highlighted what he viewed as major flaws in the health board’s processes, including breaches of Scottish Government guidelines.
The Glasgow University expert has claimed that lives could be put at risk if the changes go ahead.
A health board spokesman said: “NHS Highland has not been asked to provide any further evidence. However we would like to say that the vast majority of people were content with the process which included public consultation and external assurance by the Scottish Health Council.
“We are sorry that not everyone agrees but we are determined to continue to work with all concerned to secure significant investment to redesign services to support all the communities in the area.”
