NHS Highland’s plan for a new hospital on Skye has been approved by health secretary Shona Robison.

The go-ahead will mean the construction of a new hospital (known as a ‘hub’ facility) in Broadford and the provision of a ‘spoke’ facility in Portree.

The new set up will serve patients on the island and also Lochalsh on the mainland.

What goes in the ‘hub’ will depend on the future shape of community services, which will influence, for instance, the number of beds that will be required. Also to be considered are any other facilities and services which might be required at the new site, such as laundry, catering, car parking and so on. As well as the clinical workshops, NHS Highland has still to complete the site selection and will have to work on design statements.

All this work will take place over the next few months and will feed into the production of what is known as an ‘initial agreement’ document, which is a requirement of the process. This will go before the NHS Highland board probably in August. NHS Highland will then be required to prepare an outline business case and then a full business case. This will see more detail, including costs, being defined.

Islanders in the north of the Skye campaigned last year to have Portree developed as the main site.

They said that they may seek a judicial review of the consultation process into the site for the new hospital.

NHS Highland has defended the options appraisal carried out by a steering group.

The Scottish Health Council has also said the process was legitimate.

The decision was welcomed by NHS Highland chair Garry Coutts, who said: “This is fantastic news. We now look forward to continuing to work with the community in the detailed planning of health and social care provision that best meets the needs of everyone in the area.

“I appreciate that our proposals have not been universally welcomed but I hope that, with the cabinet secretary having granted her consent, the entire community of Skye, Lochalsh & South West Ross can work together to help us transform our services there.”