Concerns over maternity care in the Far North have intensified after the Scottish Government confirmed it has no plans to proceed with an independent review previously backed in parliament.

The issue centres on the downgrading of the consultant led maternity unit at Caithness General Hospital in Wick in 2016, which has left many women travelling more than 100 miles to Inverness to give birth.

The distance and travel conditions have raised ongoing concerns about safety, particularly during winter when the A9 can be disrupted.

A report by the Scottish Human Rights Commission found that access to healthcare in the Highlands and Islands, including maternity services, was seriously inadequate in terms of availability and accessibility.

Jamie Stone MP said:

“Families in the Highlands deserve safe, local, and accessible maternity care.

“Instead, they have been repeatedly let down by the SNP in Holyrood.

“It is a miracle that we have not yet seen a tragedy.

“For years, the Scottish Government have ignored this issue.

“When they finally did acknowledge it last year, it was clearly pursued as a political move to gain support ahead of the election and even then, they failed to deliver.

“That’s why I’m proud the Liberal Democrats have pledged to restore consultant-led services in Caithness.

“Only a vote for David Green and the Scottish Liberal Democrats will deliver for the Highlands.”

The Scottish Government had previously supported calls for an independent review but has since confirmed it will not be taken forward.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have said they would restore consultant led maternity services at Caithness General Hospital if elected.

The issue remains a key concern for communities across the Far North ahead of the election.