Plans for a new £59million hospital in Orkney have taken a step forward.
NHS Orkney has shortlisted three companies for the project.
They are Canmore, Farrans/Equitix, and Robertson, who were all selected after a bidders’ day was staged in August.
A further period of negotiations with each consortium will begin this month, with the preferred option being announced next year.
All aspects of the development of the hospital and healthcare facility will be discussed, including design, construction, equipment, and financing of the building.
Cathie Cowan, chief executive of NHS Orkney, said: “We want the best possible hospital for our patients, service users and staff so this part of the process will ultimately be one of the most important.
“Once this stage closes we would expect to appoint the preferred bidder during October 2015 – with construction starting in spring 2016.”
