It is born of necessity. Poverty is widespread in the Highlands and Islands and health provision is limited.
In August 1912, a committee is appointed under Sir John Dewar (later Lord Forteviot) to examine the problem and its findings are stark. It recommends Government grants be paid to doctors on condition that they treat those in need and charge minimal fees. In practice, this often means free treatment.
The Highlands and Island Medical Service is slow to get going because of the First World War. But once up and running, it provides an outstanding service which is copied by other remote communities across the world