North councillors agree to link with Wildland Ltd to build multi-million pound north coast care hub
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A long-running plan for a multi-million new health and care hub on Sutherland’s north coast has reached a major milestone.
Highland councillors last week decided to go forward with a proposal to build the hub at a location in Tongue in partnership with NHS Highland and conservation and tourism organisation Wildland Ltd.
The facility will be developed by Wildland Ltd - owned by Danish tycoon and Sutherland landowner Anders Holch Povlsen - and leased to NHS Highland and Highland Council.
North, west and central Sutherland councillor Linda Munro, chairwoman of the health, social care and wellbeing committee, has welcomed the decision.
She said: “I’m delighted we’ve reached this significant milestone and can now move forward to get this much needed new facility started.
“This new hub will best meet the needs of our community, offering modern health and social care facilities and an attractive workplace, as well as providing a much needed economic boost to the area.”
However, the decision will not please everyone with Kinlochbervie resident Michael Otter previously flagging up to local councillors and NHS chiefs his concerns about Wildland’s involvement in the development.
He told the Northern Times earlier this year: “It is well recognised that private investment in care homes generally means higher costs for residents and their families.”
The new health hub will replace two small residential care homes, Sinclair Court at Melvich and Caladh Sona at Talmine and will comprise a care facility and GP surgery.
Initially it was intended that the unit would be located on council owned land in Tongue but Wildland, which manages estates locally, suggested a different site and offered to fund the building and lease it thereafter.
Commercial discussions have since been ongoing but have been kept confidential.
The decision to move forward with the Wildland proposal was made by north councillors at a full Highland Council meeting last Thursday.
A spokesman for the authority later said: “Members considered a detailed appraisal of options for taking forward a new care facility for the north coast.
"The council has agreed that a new health and care hub, delivered by Wildland Limited in partnership with the council and NHS Highland, was the best option after considering an assessment of all factors, including the financial and community impact.
“NHS Highland will be the occupier, operator and responsible party for the management and delivery of all services provided from the new hub.”
NHS Highland area manager Michelle Johnstone said: “This is an exciting development for the local community and I am pleased to see it reach this stage.
“This development will ensure we have sustainable services going forward for our local community and for colleagues working within the area and it is very much welcomed.”
Wildland Ltd chief executive Tim Kirkwood has previously responded to Mr Otter’s concerns by saying that neither Wildland nor any company within its group would have any influence on the operation of the new hub.
Following Thursday’s meeting, he said: “We are pleased to have been able to help the Highland Council in its intent to progress the delivery of a new North Coast care hub through partnership with NHS Highland.
“We have welcomed the opportunity and will continue to support both parties to create a care home and healthcare facility to serve the needs of the community.
“We wholly embrace the common aim for these vital services to be provided by NHS Highland in a transformed setting that everyone can enjoy and be proud of.”
