Since acquiring ownership of the former St Vincent's Hospital, Kingussie, The Highland Council has made significant progress in advancing plans for the site.
As an initial priority, the extension to the rear of the property has been successfully demolished, improving the condition of the site and enabling the next phase of development work to progress.
Housing and Property Committee Chair, Cllr 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 is aware that video footage showing the interior of the former hospital has recently been circulated via social media. However, the footage was not recorded recently and does not reflect the current condition or status of the site.
The property remains secured, fenced off and is not open to the public. Any unauthorised access to the site, including where security measures have been damaged, removed or bypassed, may constitute a criminal offence.
Members of the public are reminded not to enter the building due to the significant health and safety risks associated with vacant properties. The Council will continue to monitor the site and maintain appropriate security measures while plans for its future redevelopment progress.