Boots Stornoway offers 24-hour service Covid-19 PCR testing

In addition, the store will also be receiving one of the new instore testing devices in the first week of April. This machine undertakes rapid antigen testing and can give results within minutes for customers.

However, the test is not cheap at £120, but for some it may well be viewed as money well spent.

Thie decision by Boots follows representations that Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan and MP Angus MacNeil have made to health retailers to address the lack of private testing in the islands.

Angus MacNeil MP commented: “I was delighted to hear from Boots today that they will be introducing PCR testing in Stornoway from April. This is something which I had been discussing with them for some time.

“I worked with local offshore workers to provide Boots with a long list of firms who employ workers from the islands and they are now looking to engage with those firms regarding the new instore testing devices.

“This is very positive news and will overcome one of the challenges which has faced those in employment away from their island homes during the pandemic.”

Alasdair Allan MSP commented: “This is really good news from Boots and I am grateful for them in taking the islands situation into account in their rollout of testing stations.

“As the pandemic has gone on and countries have introduced testing requirements at their borders this has presented real problems for those who work abroad or at sea.

“I hope that this new facility in the Stornoway store will help ensure that those islanders working away will be able to spend more time with their loved ones when on leave.”

A spokesman for Boots said: “The In-store COVID-19 PCR Testing Service is suitable for adults and children five years of age and over. It’s not suitable for anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, or anyone who thinks they may have COVID-19. Anyone with coronavirus symptoms can get a free NHS COVID-19 test.

"There are many different reasons why you may want to have a COVID-19 swab test. Maybe you’re travelling abroad, you need a test for work or you’re attending a social event. Our In-store COVID-19 PCR Testing Service is a convenient way to get a nose and throat swab PCR test to check for a current COVID-19 infection.

"If you’re flying abroad later in the year perhaps, please check the COVID test requirements specified by your destination of travel and/or airline carrier before ordering a test. Results should be received typically within 48 hours.”

The appointment including the swab test will take about 10 minutes.

If you have any questions about the service, contact Boots customer care team on 0345 121 2837. For further info see: www.boots.com

A spokesperson for NHS Western Isles , when asked for comment on Boots covid service said that they had no involvement in or discussion over the new testing facility and therefore had no comment to make.