The successful completion of the 24-bed hospital follows the handover of the Badenoch and Strathspey Community Hospital in Aviemore in September.

The main contractor for both hospitals was Balfour Beatty, and the architects were Oberlanders and Skye-based Rural Design.

In addition to 24 ensuite in-patient rooms, the new Broadford Hospital also has a midwife-led community maternity unit, an accident and emergency unit, a dental surgery, an X-ray/ultrasound unit, and an infusion suite.

Peter Ramsay, project director for hub North Scotland, said: “The Broadford Hospital is a fantastic health facility which will bring huge benefits for the communities of Skye, Lochalsh and Southwest Ross.

“We faced a major challenge in progressing construction during the Covid pandemic but the support of all the partners and the local community ensured we have delivered a hospital that everyone can be proud of.”

Tracy Ligema, project director for NHS Highland, said: “This is a very exciting stage of the project which will soon see this brand-new facility open and benefit our communities in Skye, Lochalsh and Southwest Ross. All efforts will now go into getting the hospital ready to open for patients at the end of February 2022.

“Our thanks to everyone involved in helping to bring this project to this stage. Also thanks MacMillan Cancer Support for their contribution which is hugely appreciated.”

Donald MacLellan, project manager at Balfour Beatty, said: “We are extremely proud to have played a key role in the safe and successful delivery of this essential facility.

“Our team’s wealth of expertise and experience in providing healthcare facilities across Scotland has ensured that this hospital will service local residents and the wider community for many years to come.”

The new hospital is in a stunning location on the shore of Broadford Bay, between the current Dr Mackinnon Memorial Hospital and the Broadford Medical Centre.

During construction, the Broadford works created seven new jobs and saw two newly qualified graduates employed. Two new apprentices began their careers on the site and the project provided work for 13 existing apprentices.

There was also £11.5 million of work packages for North-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and £5.1 million of work for other Scottish SMEs.