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.
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 when north of the border, and Kate wore a Strathearn tartan scarf and a coat by Massimo Dutti for the visit to Orkney.
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The Duchess of Cambridge speak to NHS staff ahead of the official opening of The Balfour, Orkney s new hospital in Kirkwall, as they continue their tour of Scotland.
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