He said: "I am delighted that the Minister has agreed to create another two non-executive members for NHS Highland, to ensure that the unique geography of the area we serve is fully covered. Although Non-executives do not represent a particular area, it is helpful to have Board members who understand the real issues facing people throughout the Highlands."

"Just now we don�t have any members from Skye and Lochalsh, Sutherland, or Badenoch and Strathspey. Although we do have members who live in Lochaber and Caithness, they are appointed because of other positions they hold, so I would particularly want to encourage people from all these areas to come forward. Largely we are also white, middle-aged, and able-bodied, so would be keen to recruit members who can bring a different perspective to our discussions."

He felt that people would find it a rewarding experience:  "It is not always an easy role but it is an important one. I and my colleagues on the NHS Board also find it a rewarding role. These are always serious issues we are dealing with at NHS Board level and we all want to get it right. If you think you have something to offer, please come forward and help us in our ambition to make Highland the healthy place to be."

If people are interested, they can request an application pack by either telephoning 0870 240 1818; faxing 0870 600 4111; emailing [email protected] or by sending a SMS text message to 0796 013 3181.

Councillor Michael Foxley, Vice-Convener of The Highland Council, welcomed the addition of two non-executive members on the NHS Highland Board. He said: "I am extremely pleased that the Board Chairman has persuaded the Executive to extend the membership of the board to ensure representation beyond the Inner Moray Firth area. This wider representation can only benefit the working of the Board."