The head of NHS Orkney has apologised for travelling more than 100 miles between accommodation during the coronavirus lockdown.
Iain Stewart had been travelling from Kirkwall to his Black Isle family home at weekends.
Mr Stewart is one of those leading the charge in Orkney’s fight against the virus, and encourages residents to avoid non-essential travel.
The Scottish government said his role was “pivotal”, and that he was allowed to travel when not working.
But Orkney Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur had said that Mr Stewart’s crossing of the Pentland Firth was “at best, inadvisable”.
Now Mr Stewart has offered a “sincere heartfelt apology” to the people of Orkney for any offence he has caused.
In an open letter he wrote: “I know there has been a great deal of discussion and comment on my travel arrangements in recent weeks. I wanted to take this opportunity to lay out the facts of the matter.
“As the Chief Executive, Designate, of NHS Orkney I am fully aware of the expectation that is placed upon me by the Scottish Government, NHS Orkney Board and the people of Orkney.
“I have returned to my home on the mainland on a few occasions since March 1, only when my family has needed me.
“The board of NHS Orkney were aware of these journeys. The board is clear that being an island health board, we simply could not function without movement of staff on and off the island.
“This applies to all of our staff groups right across the system of health and social care.”
He said the Scottish Government gave their full support to the arrangements and said his role is “pivotal to the safe and effective delivery of healthcare services on the island”.
In his statement online, the former NHS chief executive quoted the Government stating that his NHS-provided accommodation in Orkney did not count as a home, so he was allowed to go home when not working.
Mr Stewart added: “I would, however, like to take this opportunity to offer the people of Orkney a sincere heartfelt apology for any offence that I may have caused. I am committed to the role I have accepted and am looking forward to building on the fantastic work that has been put in place over the last number of years.
NHS Orkney chairwoman Meghan McEwen investigated and found no wrongdoing.
