A new NHS report has revealed a widening gap in the life expectancy of people living in the richest and poorest parts of the Highland capital.

Men living in the Merkinch area of Inverness can expect to live, on average, to 66  - but men in the neighbouring suburb of Lochardil can expect to live 14 years longer to 80.

The report, by NHS Highland Director of Public Health Dr Margaret Somerville, reveals the widening gap in life expectancy between the region's most affluent and the poorest areas.   The gap has doubled since the four-year period 2003 and 2007 when it was only 7 years.

Dr Somerville said: "It is important to note that inequalities in health have worsened over the last ten years, despite improvements in the overall health of the population.   The worst off in society are likely to suffer most from the economic climate and consequent changes in public sector services, unless we explicitly consider and act on the impact of those changes on them."

Source:    The Annual Report by Director of Public Health  ;
The Inverness Courier   ;   STV News