The three day Maggie’s programme, which includes sessions on stress management, expressive writing, yoga, has been designed to help those who live in remote areas of the islands, Highlands and Moray who do not have easy access to a Maggie’s centre.

Around 27,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland each year.

Speaking as he visited the Maggie’s Highland Centre yesterday the First Minister paid tribute to the excellent work of Maggie's Centres in providing support and assistance to people with cancer and also their families, friends and carers, adding that tackling cancer is a “national clinical priority” for the Scottish Government.

He said: "I am delighted to help Maggie's Highland launch their new three-day programme which offers support for those living in remote and rural areas.

"This new programme will provide a variety of sessions which aim to provide cancer patients with the tools and techniques to cope with the devastating affect the disease can have on their lives.

"Cancer will affect us all at some point in our lives, whether as a patient, carer, friend or family, and this why Maggie's has such a valuable role in providing information, psychological and emotional support in partnership with local NHS Boards."