Construction work on the new Portree Gaelic Primary School is to start later this year and the building is expected to open in late 2017.

The contract is part of an overall capital investment programme of £14.8m in Portree which also includes the formation of a new access road to the school, refurbishment of the former Elgin Hostel building to create a new pupil residence at Portree High, and the demolition of the former Boys’ and Margaret Carnegie residence buildings.

The Scottish Government has contributed £4.75m to the school project.

Skye Councillor Drew Millar said: “The Portree Gaelic Primary School will be a great asset to the Gaelic community across the west Highlands, and it will help to sustain and progress Gaelic Medium Education on the island. This announcement today is a great step forward which will be welcomed by the parents who for many years have campaigned for a standalone Gaelic school in Portree, and I look forward to work starting on the new school.”

The new residence will open after the Easter holidays and the first phase of demolition works will start in March.