The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have visited Orkney to open a hospital on the remote Scottish archipelago.
William and Kate travelled to the islands to formally launch Balfour Hospital in the main town of Kirkwall.
The couple are touring Scotland as part of William’s role as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
READ MORE: In pictures: Kate and William visit Edinburgh as they continue Scotland visit
The duchess pulled a cord to unveil a plaque that marked the opening of the facility which began treating patients in 2019.
They were given a private tour of the hospital which was the biggest construction on the island since its cathedral was completed in 1168.
Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall, Orkney, was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Jane Barlow/PA)
It replaced the previous hospital which had served the community for 90 years and its circular design is based on the 5,000-year-old Neolithic settlement Skara Brae – one of Orkney’s most visited ancient sites.
READ MORE: Kate joins William for tour of Scotland as pair visit Coatbridge
Many NHS services have returned from the mainland to the new hospital enabling residents to receive much of their care closer to home.
The Cambridges are known by their Scottish title the Earl and Countess of Strathearn.
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