Builders faced a challenge in keeping the original century-old building; Comhairle representatives had initially been keen to find a complete new build for the new Uist House, but locals demanded that the old hospital stay standing.

The building was completed in two years, with 18 residents moving into the new home last July from the 1960s-build Uist House, across the road from the new development. The new home comprises an eight-bed dementia unit and 10 self contained rooms with kitchenette, all of which open onto a lochside garden.

"Changing care needs and improved standards of living see us with a brand new resource that includes individual en-suite facilities for each of the 18 residents," said Comhairle Convener Alex MacDonald. "I am very impressed by the high quality and homely accommodation on offer, and the surrounding views and landscaped gardens add to what is a truly magnificent setting.".

The building was officially opened last Thursday (May 8) by Malcolm Smith, who retired as Director of Social Work in January.

"It is a development that to a certain extent dominated my professional life for a long period of time," said Mr Smith. "We are where we are today because of a great team effort, huge assistance from many individuals and organisations, and – most important of all – the engagement with the local community from beginning to end of bringing this building from being an aspiration to a reality."

Mr Smith paid particular tribute to former South Uist councillor Ronald MacKinnon, who he said fought hard along with councillor David Blaney, former councillor Mairi Bremner, the late James MacArthur and the late Canon Galbraith to keep the old building.

"Ronald was of invaluable assistance to me in keeping up the promise of community involvement, as well as giving very practical help on the important matter of land acquisition," said Mr Smith. "Our relationship wasn't all plain sailing, and we had some trenchant exchanges especially in the early stages, but I hugely value the contribution he made."

Mr Smith mentioned the 'scepticism' in the local community about the Comhairle's commitment to engaging with the people. "There were some deep wounds from earlier experiences," said Mr Smith. "But I think that fact redoubled our determination to keep up the dialogue, and it paid off because, from the origins of the design – building around the shell of the historical old hospital – through to choosing a name for the new home, that community involvement is evident."

Mr Smith also paid tribute to those involved in the finer details of building design and completion. "I had never worked on a new-build project of this scale, and Robert Fraser as the principal architect was a real revelation to me," he said.

"I'm sure Robert quietly bit his lip sometimes when we came back with, yet again, some change in our ideas for the design of the building – and these were by no means cosmetic changes – but he showed a rare skill both in translating our ideas into practical solutions, and in the quality of the end-product. I do hope that when the Comhairle proceeds with its continuing programme for renewal of residential homes, it will draw on the skill so clearly shown here.

"Under the heading of professionalism, it's right that I should refer to the work of the main contractors, MacInnes Brothers. The quality of the end product is self-evident to everyone here today, and this project was of a scale that was new to them, but one that clearly they faced up to with considerable success. I congratulate and thank the company and the workforce for a job well done.

"I also want to acknowledge the support – not just in this work but across much of my working life with the Comhairle and all my time as Director – of Iain Macaulay, who for me has been a supportive but critical colleague, in this project pointing out organisations and individuals we needed to engage with and, to put it bluntly, saving me from putting my foot in it many a time."