The handover of the new £48.5 million Wick school campus in the Highlands has been delayed until December, with pupils not expected to move in until next year.

At a turf cutting ceremony in 2014 marking the start of construction on the Wick Joint Campus it was said the site would open this summer.

Last month, the handover of the school from contractor Morrison Construction to Highland Council was delayed until October.

Now stakeholders at a meeting last week were informed by hub North Scotland chief executive Angus McFarlane of a revised handover date for the project of December 2, which remains subject to a number of risks.

Mr McFarlane explained a detailed dialogue is ongoing between the council, Hub North Scotland and contractors Morrison Construction on the revised delivery programme as well as decant arrangements for Wick High School, Newton Park Primary and High Life Highland community facilities.

The local authority is working on plans for the school moves with Head Teachers and High Life Highland. It is considering options for the moves either side of the festive period, with anticipated occupation of the new campus in early January, or around the mid-term break in February, with occupation by the end of February.