Home   News   Article

New Inverness pharmacy at Cradlehall in limbo after rival operators appealed against it


By Gregor White

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Councillor Duncan Macpherson outside the Cradlehall shop unit earmarked for the new pharmacy.
Councillor Duncan Macpherson outside the Cradlehall shop unit earmarked for the new pharmacy.

Tesco Inshes and Boots have appealed against the approval given by NHS Highland to an application for a new Inverness pharmacy.

Along with the area pharmacy committee they say the NHS erred in its procedural handling of the case.

Ayrshire-based Mo Ameen was granted permission to open the premises in a shop unit at Cradlehall, but is now frustrated that there will be delay before a final decision is reached one way or the other, and no one can tell him how long that delay might be.

Mr Ameen said: “The national appeals panel now has to look at what Tesco, Boots and the area pharmacy committee, which represents pharmacies around the area of an application, are claiming. It might be that he throws out their claims but it may be that if he feels there was a procedural error then he might convene another hearing.

“I have been told there is no timeline either way. The delay is a shame because in the world of business we are in a state of flux. Residents who campaigned for the pharmacy are asking me what is happening and I can’t tell them. Luckily I have a very sympathetic landlord who is prepared to hold on.”

Councillor Duncan Macpherson who supports the application, said that following a public consultation, the vast majority felt there was a need for a pharmacy in the area.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More