The cabinet secretary for health and sport has accepted an invitation from constituency MSP Kate Forbes to visit Skye. It is expected that Jeane Freeman MSP will visit Portree Hospital, which campaigners from the north of the island, along with Ms Forbes, have been fighting to keep open. Sir Lewis Ritchie, whose review into healthcare provision categorically stated that the hospital in Skye’s biggest population centre must remain open – and have its services enhanced – will be visiting in December to meet the community and NHS Highland off cials to discuss progress made on the implementation of his recommendations. It is understood that the cabinet secretary’s visit will take place at some point during 2019. Ms Forbes commented: ‘Sir Lewis Ritchie found that speaking to real people, local residents, campaigners and councillors was critical to ensuring he could recognise the legitimate fears and worries of the people of Skye, and I am confident this will be the case for Jeane Freeman too.’