QC to be appointed to investigate ‘bullying culture’ in NHS Highland

The news follows a meeting between Shirley Rogers, NHS Scotland’s health workforce and strategic change director, and various trade unions.

Campaigners had pressured the Scottish government into appointing someone outside of the health service to avoid the risk of the NHS being a judge in its own cause.

Doctors wrote to The Herald in September, accusing health board leadership of presiding over a “culture of fear and intimidation” for the past 10 years.

Inverness GP Dr Iain Kennedy, one of the signatories to the original letter, said: “It’s exactly what we requested, and we are pleased to hear that it will be starting before Christmas.

“It is further confirmation that we were absolutely right to blow the whistle. We have heard so many stories over the years, so we are in absolutely no doubt that there needs to be an inquiry.”