Plans to transform the former St Vincent’s Hospital in Kingussie into 31 affordable homes are moving into the design and planning stage.

The Highland Council is aiming to submit a planning application in November 2026 after acquiring the prominent vacant site and demolishing an extension at the rear of the property.

Current proposals include 28 two and three bedroom flats alongside three three bedroom houses, although the eventual tenure of the homes will be determined through the planning process.

The council considered a range of possible uses for the former hospital before deciding that affordable housing offered the greatest potential benefit to the community.

If planning permission is secured, the development would move into procurement with a construction contract potentially being awarded by summer 2027.

Housing and Property Committee Chair Councillor Glynis Campbell Sinclair said:

“I am pleased to see continued progress at the former St Vincent’s Hospital site, which represents an important opportunity to deliver much-needed affordable housing in Kingussie.

“A range of potential future uses for the site were carefully considered.

“Following assessment, affordable housing was identified as the option that would deliver the greatest benefit to the community while making the best use of this prominent site.

“Since acquiring the property, significant progress has been made, including the demolition of the rear extension, and the project is now moving through the design and planning stages.

“Subject to ongoing discussions the Council anticipates submitting a planning application in November 2026, to include a mix of affordable housing, comprising of 28 units of 2 and 3 bed flats and 3 bed houses.

“The tenure will be determined through the planning process.

“If approved, the project would then move into the procurement stage, with a works contract potentially being awarded by summer 2027.

“Redeveloping this vacant site as affordable housing would make an important contribution towards addressing local housing need, bringing an empty property back into use and delivering lasting benefits for Kingussie and the wider area.”

The council has also responded to video footage showing the interior of the former hospital which has recently circulated on social media.

It said the footage was not recorded recently and does not represent the current condition or status of the site.

The former hospital remains secured and fenced off, with the public being warned not to enter because of the health and safety risks associated with the vacant building.

The council said unauthorised entry, including access gained by damaging, removing or bypassing security measures, may constitute a criminal offence.

Security at the property will continue to be monitored while the plans progress.

The proposed redevelopment would ultimately bring a long vacant Kingussie site back into use while adding 31 homes to the area’s affordable housing supply.