The Design and Build, Development Agreement (DBDA) will provide a new building for 660 pupils and will be equipped with sports facilities, two 3G pitches, a 25m swimming pool, a games hall and a gymnasium.

The hub North Scotland project will be carried out by Kier Construction.

The contract has a value of £33,766,135 with a funding contribution of £14,503,544 from the Scottish Government, through the Scotland’s Schools for the Future Programme managed by the Scottish Futures Trust.

The project is due to be completed in the spring of 2020.

Vice chair of the care, learning and housing committee, Councillor Linda Munro, said: “We welcome the news of the exciting project getting underway. The pupils of Alness will greatly benefit from the new facilities and so will the wider community.”

Chair of the Ross and Cromarty committee, Councillor Fiona Robertson, added: “It’s great to see this project has commenced and taking shape. Alness Academy is a major priority for the Highland Council as this is a welcome milestone for the council, pupils, staff and families of this community school; which is at the heart of the local area.”

Young people are scheduled to move in to the new school in the spring of 2020.