Worrying times for mums-to-be

Pregnant women in the Highlands are facing a new potential travel ordeal after health bosses suspended local birthing facilities and out-of-hours midwifery service for Skye and Lochalsh.

It is a dire situation, which will last for at least a month, but could possibly drag on into the new year as NHS Highland strives to recruit new staff.

In certain situations, they will now have to seek help from Raigmore hospital in Inverness. Apparently, no births or emergencies are imminent, but who knows when that might change suddenly. It also creates an air of anxiety.

There is a precedent for this in Caithness, of course. A gradual downgrading of maternity services there has left expectant mums forced to travel more than 100 miles to Raigmore to give birth.

This has become the normal routine, even although it is inexcusable and a massive disservice to the public. Families in Skye and Lochalsh face a similar journey ordeal if this recruitment crisis drags on beyond current forecasts, or is repeated on a regular basis in future.