> Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston spoke at Saturday's protest in Fort William over delays to the new Belford hospital.
> He has now written to the Health Secretary urging him to support NHS Highland in continuing to develop plans for the new hospital.
> Mr Halcro Johnston has encouraged others to write to Neil Gray.
Having raised the need for a new Belford Hospital in the Scottish Parliament, including with First Minister Humza Yousaf in January, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston spoke at Saturday's protest against the latest delays to the new Belford Hospital project.
Following the rally, the Scottish Conservative MSP has written to Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, urging him to support efforts which would allow planning for the new hospital to continue.
Mr Halcro Johnston said:
"With over 700 people attending, including politicians from all political parties, Saturday's march should send a clear message to NHS Highlands in Inverness and the Scottish Government in Edinburgh that Lochaber demands progress continues on the new Belford.
"People of all ages – and from right across Lochaber and beyond – came out to make sure their voice was heard. They want the new hospital they have long been promised and they want it as soon as possible.
“It is therefore vital that the pressure to get things moving again is kept up, and I have written to Neil Gray, the Health Secretary, urging him to ensure Scottish Government support is in place to allow NHS Highland to continue with the planning and design phase of the project.
“I would suggest others do the same, highlighting both the urgent need for the new Belford Hospital, and also the strength of feeling in the community that any delays should be minimised as much as they can.
“No one argues that a new Belford Hospital is not increasing necessary, and so the Scottish Government must do all it can to not delay this vital project any further”.
ENDS
Notes to editor
The letter to Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, is attached.
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