A contractor has been appointed to build a new £60million hospital in Orkney.
Robertson Capital Projects will be responsible for the new hospital and healthcare facility in Kirkwall.
The contract was announced by NHS Orkney chief executive Cathie Cowan at a meeting of the health board at the Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall.
She said: “Today is hugely significant and, as Orcadians would say, we are a peedie step closer in delivering a long awaited new hospital and healthcare facility for Orkney.
“This long awaited development will match our aspirations to deliver the highest quality care and services from fit for purpose facilities.
“The new building will also support the relocation of Skerryvore and Heilendi GP practices and King Street dental services. This investment, the biggest yet for NHS Orkney, will enable us to start providing services which currently we rely on other boards to provide, here and so support more care and services closer to home.
“Travelling outwith Orkney for routine care will become a thing of the past for many.”
The new facility will include video-conferencing facilities for patients
Neil McCormick, managing director for Robertson Capital Projects added: “We are delighted that Robertson has been selected to work with NHS Orkney under a 25 year partnership arrangement to deliver this significant investment.
“This is the start of a long term relationship. Over the coming months we will work together with all stakeholders to finalise the proposals for the design, construction, funding and maintenance of the project with a proposed start on site later this year.”