Frank Reid

The contractor will work in partnership with the council’s in-house property teams to take forward the design of schools as part of a significant capital investment programme to improve the school estate across the region.

The new school at Broadford was included in Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) that was announced in December 2020. The LEIP aims to create and maintain high quality school buildings that support a range of outcomes, such as improved energy efficiency, digital learning and teaching, and economic growth. Funding for the capital project was subsequently included in the re-profiled capital programme approved by the Highland Council in January.

Members and council officials continue to engage with a local working group on the aspiration to deliver a community hub as part of the new campus.

Education chair, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “This is further good news for the pupils, parents and communities of Broadford, Dunvegan and Beauly and, like all key stakeholders in these areas, I look forward to monitoring the good progress being made with these important projects. I also look forward to working with council officers, the wider school community and Robertson Construction, to put in place regular engagement through the official stakeholder groups, that ensures that the modern 21st century learning environments we are creating, alongside community elements and housing, meet the needs and expectations of all users.”

Funding for the new schools at Beauly and Dunvegan was approved by the council at its meeting earlier this month. The new schools will see the replacement of buildings that are among the poorest in Highland in terms of condition and suitability.

Housing and property chair, Cllr Ben Thompson, said: “The Highland Council has one of the largest school estates in Scotland with over 200 schools throughout the region and is continually working to make improvements to our education environments. I am delighted to note the progress at Beauly, Broadford and Dunvegan primary schools and look forward to continue seeing work come along at these sites, and our other key school projects in Highland.”

A masterplan has been prepared for the Dunvegan campus that includes the development of adjacent land for housing and a site for a new community sports pitch. Both of the new school buildings will be designed to the same standards as those in the LEIP.

Frank Reid, regional managing director, Robertson Construction Northern, said: “We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the council and the design team to bring forward the proposals.

“Our relationship with the council spans over many years and we are proud to be further supporting the educational offering in the Highlands through the delivery of these three new primary schools, which will be equipped for the future and enjoyed by many for years to come.”

The projects are being procured through Procurement Hub - Major Projects frameworks.

Louise Dodds, client relationship manager, Procurement Hub, said: “Procurement Hub is delighted to be the delivery vehicle for these three Highland Council schools. Following feasibility, we look forward to working with the council to develop these projects further.”