HIGHLAND Health Board yesterday unanimously endorsed two applications

for trust status, submitted by its Raigmore and Northern units.

The board also said that it would welcome a third trust, to cover the

southern unit which recently combined with the mental health unit.

One hundred and seventy representations were received to the

applications from the Raigmore and Northern units which, according to

the board, will bring ''considerable benefits'' to the people of the

Highlands.

If the Scottish Secretary approves the applications, both trusts,

which will be the first in the Highlands, will be established on April

1.