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Funding in Budget for new Belford Hospital

Google The hospital has multiple storeys and there is a car park with vehicles at the front of the building. There is also an area of trees and shrubs in front of the hospital.Google
A replacement for the 60-year-old Belford was first suggested in the 1990s

Funding for a replacement of Fort William's Belford Hospital has been included in the Scottish Budget.

People in Lochaber have been campaigning for a new hospital for more than 20 years, and hundreds of people took part in a demonstration in March.

A replacement for the 60-year-old Belford was first suggested in the 1990s.

Work at a site in the Blar Mhor area near Caol was due to begin this year, but the plans were put on hold due to a cut in Scottish government funding.

On Wednesday, Finance Secretary Shona Robinson said the funding formed part of a £200m package aimed at bringing down NHS waiting times and investing in social care.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said the Belford was not fit for purpose when he visited in October.