NHS Highland’s chair is remaining in post after initially taking on the role on an interim basis.

Professor Boyd Robertson took the helm in February 2019 after the previous chair stood down in the wake of accusations of systematic bullying in the organisation.

A report earlier this year found ‘hundreds’ of staff were potentially victims of bullying.

Another review focusing on working in Argyll & Bute health services is currently underway while bosses are looking to appoint an external advisor to oversee their response to bullied staff.

Audit Scotland has questioned whether the board has the capacity to make the “urgent and major changes” it needs to stay afloat.

Earlier this month healthandcare.scot reported Highland bosses spent more than £1m on external consultants in a bid to plug a financial gap of more than £50m. 

Prof Robertson’s experience of leadership in education, having served as principal Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, on the Isle of Skye for nine years.

Health secretary Jeane Freeman said the role was "critical":

“Professor Robertson and the board were tasked specifically with responding to the Sturrock review’s substantive recommendations. This includes the need to take forward a more compassionate and person-centred approach to leadership and governance.

“This work is well underway and we continue to provide direct support to NHS Highland and to scrutinise progress against its action plan.

“The priority, as always across NHS Scotland, is safe and effective patient care, and I am confident that under Professor Robertson’s leadership people across the Highlands will receive the excellent level of service they deserve.”