NHS Highland chief executive Iain Stewart is quitting the post to take up a role in Orkney, the health authority has announced.
Mr Stewart will take over as NHS Orkney’s chief executive from Monday as a replacement for outgoing incumbent Gerry O’Brien, who is retiring.
Paul Hawkins, who has been NHS Fife’s chief executive for the last five years, will be Mr Stewart’s replacement.
It means NHS Highland will be on its third chief executive in little over a year – Mr Stewart had replaced Elaine Mead at the start of 2019.
NHS Highland chairman Boyd Robertson: “I would like to thank Iain for his valued contribution towards NHS Highland over the past year.
“Iain has overseen the development of our response to the Sturrock Report through the Culture Fit for the Future programme and has led the organisation on our journey towards financial recovery.
“I would like to wish Iain all the very best in his new role within NHS Orkney.”
Mr Stewart added: “I would like to offer a huge thank you to all my colleagues across Highland, Argyll and Bute for their hard work and dedication which I have seen time and time again since I joined the board.
“It has been an absolute pleasure working here.
“I know as a Board we have had our challenges but I firmly believe the work that has been put in towards our culture programme and financial recovery has contributed to making this an organisation we can all be proud of.”