The Bonnybridge-based company will take plant, equipment and around ten staff to Shetland as it undertakes the work over the coming months.

Neil Grant, director of development services at Shetland Islands Council, said: “It’s great to see this work getting underway. The demolition of the redundant buildings will mean that folk can begin to get a clearer idea of the extent and potential of the site.

“Both the contractor and ourselves have written to residents to let them know what’s happening, what they’re likely to see in the coming weeks, and how to contact either team if they have any concerns.

“This is a great step forward for this major project, which we hope will create much-needed high quality, affordable and sustainable housing in the area, in a state-of-the-art environment, and form the basis for a vibrant, thriving community.”

Ross Craig, managing director of Central Demolition, added: “We are absolutely delighted to be working on the project at the former Anderson High School in partnership with Shetland Islands Council.

“We have thirty years of experience in carrying out demolition projects safely, on time, and within budget. The project is scheduled to take place over the next forty weeks, and we are committed to keeping both the local and wider community up to date with progress and ensuring there is as little inconvenience to our neighbours as possible.”