Anger at hospital closure plans

Glencoe is poised to lose its hospital

A health board has been accused of shutting down a geriatric hospital without first consulting locals.

About 200 people turned up for a workshop in Ballachulish, intended for half that number, to discuss the future of Glencoe Hospital in Lochaber.

NHS Highland plans to transfer patients to a care home because it would be too expensive to upgrade the building.

However, it was claimed at the public meeting that surrounding communities were angry at the move.

NHS Highland's chairman Gary Coutts was told during Wednesday night's meeting that Health Minister Andy Kerr has been sent 1,000 letters expressing local views on the proposed closure.

Mr Coutts said alternative arrangements were being looked at and were in line with what patients wanted.

Mr Coutts told BBC Scotland: "Every survey of old age pensioner opinion tells us that they want to be cared for in their own homes and as close to their own homes as possible.

"This is what this process is about."

Hazardous material

A deal has been proposed to create beds at the Abbeyfield Centre care home in Ballachulish.

NHS Highland said it would cost £1m just to bring Glencoe Hospital to minimum standard.

A report said upgrading the hospital would mean disturbing the asbestos, increasing the cost of the work.

Glencoe won a reprieve from closure earlier this year, but the hazardous material was found in the building in October, making closure almost certain.

The former country house cost £50,000 to build in 1896.