It is one of two new community hospitals delivered by hub North Scotland on behalf of NHS Highland in a £40 million project. The other hospital, the Badenoch and Strathspey Community Hospital in Aviemore, was officially opened by the cabinet secretary earlier this month.

The Broadford Hospital serves communities in Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross and replaces the nearby Dr Mackinnon Memorial Hospital. The new building is next door to the Broadford Medical Centre and sits in a stunning location on the shore of Broadford Bay, looking towards the Skye Bridge.

Mr Yousaf said: “This new hospital in Broadford offers a much more inviting environment for not just the patients who will use it, but the health care professionals and staff who work tirelessly for the people of Skye.”

Pam Dudek, chief executive of NHS Highland, said: “The investment in two new community hospitals in Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross and Badenoch and Strathspey underlines our commitment to delivering services as close to home as possible.”

Paul McGirk, executive chairman of hub North Scotland, said: “This is the second community hospital we have successfully delivered for NHS Highland recently which has helped make these communities more resilient by transforming their health care delivery.

“There has been an excellent partnership approach by all those involved, and I must thank the Broadford community for their valuable support in helping us meet the challenges of continuing works during the pandemic.”

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

The Broadford Hospital has the capacity for 24-beds and includes a midwife-led maternity unit, a chemotherapy and renal dialysis unit, an X-ray unit and an ultrasound unit.