Balfour will take on the role of managing contractor, leading the design and construction processes for the new hospital in Fort William and the refurbishment of Caithness General in Wick.

The two projects represent an investment of over £160m.

NHS Highland’s Senior Responsible Officer for the redesigns, Louise Bussell, said: “We have a successful track record of working with Balfour Beatty and this relationship is further strengthened by this appointment.

“We look forward to working closely with Balfour Beatty and local communities over the next few years in delivering innovative, sustainable health and social care facilities in Lochaber and Caithness.”

Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director for Balfour Beatty, said: “This follows our successful completion of the new National Treatment Centre in Inverness, and the award winning community hospitals in Aviemore and Broadford on Skye.

“We look forward to continuing our successful collaborative working relationship with NHS Highland, and providing first class health care facilities to the communities in Lochaber and Caithness.”

The Balfour Beatty team for the two projects comprise of architects Keppie Design, Inverness-based landscape architects Horner + MacLennan and engineers Hulley & Kirkwood, Mott MacDonald and Buchan Associates.