A Highland professor has been permanently appointed chairman of NHS Highland.
Gaelic Ambassador Boyd Robertson was formally appointed as interim chair of the board in February following the resignation of former Highland Councillor David Alston.
Now nine months on, the former principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig college, the National Centre for Gaelic Language on the Isle of Skye, has secured the position on a permanent basis.
Announcing his appointment yesterday, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said the professor could bring his “extensive experience in Scotland’s public life, including senior leadership roles, in this critical leadership role.”
She added: “Professor Robertson and the board were tasked specifically with responding to the Sturrock review’s substantive recommendations. This includes the need to take forward a more compassionate and person-centred approach to leadership and governance.
“This work is well underway and we continue to provide direct support to NHS Highland and to scrutinise progress against its action plan.
“The priority, as always across NHS Scotland, is safe and effective patient care, and I am confident that under Professor Robertson’s leadership people across the Highlands will receive the excellent level of service they deserve.”
His appointment comes as the health board face a series of complex problems including ongoing issues with staff shortages and bullying whilst trying to make multi-million pound savings across the service.