The campus is being delivered by hub North Scotland to replace Wick High School and Pulteneytown and South primaries. It will also have community facilities which will be available to the public. The main contractor for the build is Morrison Construction.

Highland Council said it has been informed by contractors of delays affecting the completion of the campus.

The local authority said: “Regrettably it seems unlikely that the campus will be ready to open in October, as envisaged.

“Highland Council intends the best facilities possible for children and staff, and will not accept these buildings until work is completed.

“The council is working with the contractor to determine what the earliest possible date is for completion of the whole Wick Joint Campus project, and will make further announcements as soon as possible.”

Designed by Ryder Architecture, the Wick project claimed gold in the ‘Best Education Project’ category at the 2015 Partnerships Awards which recognises the best in public private partnerships.