Wednesday February 18th 2026
The Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion which will be replaced with a new Eye Hospital.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Lothian’s multi-million pound new Eye Hospital has moved a step closer to becoming a reality after NHS Lothian appointed a main contractor.
The NHS have named Kier and the Principal Supply Chain Partner to build the state-of-the-art facility, which will serve adults and children across the region, as well as south-east Scotland.
The pioneering project will replace the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion (PAEP), Edinburgh, with a bespoke new eye hospital on the Little France BioQuarter campus.
Sitting next to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, the Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health and Edinburgh University clinical research facilities, the new site will become part of the world-class Edinburgh BioQuarter.
Deputy Chief Executive for NHS Lothian, Jim Crombie, explained:
“We are pleased to appoint Kier as our Principal Supply Chain Partner and take the next step in the process towards opening a new eye hospital in Lothian.
“We are delighted that the hospital is becoming a reality and that makes this milestone even more exciting. I would like to thank our teams for their commitment and endurance throughout the planning of this project – I know this step will mean a great deal to them.
“Our teams in the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion have a world-class reputation for their innovation, treatment, patient safety and care, but the building no longer supports them or the thousands of surgical, inpatients and outpatients who attend each year.
“This new state-of-the-art facility will allow our magnificent teams to continue providing the exceptional patient care and treatment they are renowned for.”
The new hospital will stand as a hub of excellence and also provide specialist services, such as surgical retinal services, paediatric surgery and neuro-ophthalmology for patients from NHS Borders, Tayside and Fife, as well as the Lothians.
Health Secretary Neil Gray added:
“The appointment of a Principal Supply Chain Partner for the new Eye Hospital marks an important milestone for eye care in Lothian and the south-east of Scotland.
“The dedicated teams currently working in the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion have a world-class reputation for innovation, treatment and patient care. They deserve a modern, purpose-built facility that matches their expertise and supports the thousands of patients who rely on their services each year. This new hospital will do exactly that, providing a state-of-the-art environment where staff can continue to deliver the excellent care they are known for.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring everyone has access to the treatment they need.”
The Principal Supply Chain Partner Kier, which has already worked on the NHS Golden Jubilee Eye Hospital, in Glasgow and Sunderland Eye Infirmary brings a wealth of innovation and experience to Lothian’s new Eye Hospital.
Managing Director at Kier Construction North and Scotland explained that they are proud to take on the development, saying:
“We are proud to be the Principal Supply Chain Partner for NHS Lothian to deliver early construction works at the new Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion – a new Centre of Excellence that will transform eye care for patients across the region.
“Our team brings unrivalled expertise, shaped by landmark projects such as the NHS Golden Jubilee Eye Hospital and Sunderland Eye Infirmary, and informed by best practice from leading ophthalmic centres in the UK and internationally.
“Working in partnership with NHS Lothian, we will create an environment that enhances patient experience, empowers staff and establishes a new standard of excellence in ophthalmic care across Scotland.”
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