The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have visited Orkney to open a hospital on the Scottish islands.
William and Kate travelled to the islands to formally launch Balfour Hospital in the main town of Kirkwall.
The duchess pulled a cord to unveil a plaque which marked the opening of the facility which began treating patients in 2019.
![The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during the official opening of the Balfour, Orkney’s new hospital in Kirkwall.](https://news.stv.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/6c36431284c31ccf83b6818d09bf807a.jpg)
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.
![Crowds gathered to greet the royals.](https://news.stv.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ba7146a70647950970efab646e5b5547.jpg)
Many NHS services have returned from the mainland to the new hospital enabling residents to receive much of their care closer to home.
![Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall, Orkney, was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.](https://news.stv.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/d27fdd9a1106c257a153e286e88d3439.jpg)
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.
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