Where Health in the Highlands and Islands Came From
By Katherine Davidson
Health has become an increasingly relevant topic since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Highlands and Islands Medical Service Board, which was established in 1913, highlighted how 'inadequate' health care in the Highlands and Islands was prompting a series of improvements. This resulted in a state-funded grant of an initial £42,000 applied to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. These documents are a crucial aspect of what makes up the health service, essentially being the precursor to the NHS, a service which cannot be underestimated in its importance.
The report, housed in the Highland Archive Centre, gives the Highland and Islands a medical history, showing that they were initiating impactful changes that benefited the community and made health care a more accessible commodity. This type of history is often not focused on due to the shadow of the Jacobite rebellions in the Highlands and would provide a different history than what people are used to seeing. This shows how people of the past experienced problems in their daily lives and brings closer attention to health care in the Highlands and Islands.
This document was only composed in 1913, just over one hundred years ago, with health care certainly coming a long way since then but it is incredibly important as this was the first time that there was a real drive for health care to be provided to everyone, regardless of status or location.
Image provided by Am Baile/ Nurses League of Inverness Hospitals
A photograph of a group of nurses at Raigmore Hospital in the 1950s, one of whom is holding a baby.
We Want to Hear From You!
Share your stories about the history of the Highlands and Islands
Stories are at the heart of what we do as a project and we are always looking to learn more about what the Highlands and Islands means to people who live, work, and visit here.
The history of the Highlands and Islands comes alive in photographs and historical objects. Such materials shine a light on significant historical moments and for all to see. We would love to know, are there any photographs, art pieces, or objects you feel capture the essence of the 'Spirit of the Highlands and Islands'? Tell us below, we can't wait to hear from you!
Click here to share your story through our online story portal