Highland Investment Plan will deliver two new schools for Skye

A new generation of community facilities is being planned across the Highland Council area to focus on how this investment will change the way council services are delivered through a new way of operating across the partnership.

The Highland Investment Plan (HIP) confirms phase one of the capital funding allocation will enable a new school at Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye. This is in addition to the ongoing development of the new Broadford Primary School.

Approval for the allocation of funding for the first phase of proposed projects for 2024/25 to 2029/30, which will help improve local public facilities and sustain local communities was agreed at the meeting of The Highland Council on 27 March 2025.

Education Committee Chair and Local Area Committee Chair for Skye and Raasay, Cllr John Finlayson said: “I’m delighted that the Highland Investment Plan capital funding allocation for phase one has an additional five new school builds or extension/refurbishment projects across Highland and includes the much awaited and needed Dunvegan Primary School.

“Subject to planning and contract award, the new Dunvegan Primary School construction work will look to commence in 2026 with a completion date of May/ June 2027. The school build is part of a masterplan investment that will change the way council services are delivered through a new collaborative operating model and will include new affordable housing and a sports pitch which are being developed in partnership with Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association and Dunvegan Community Trust. Road and enabling works for the different elements have already been completed.

“These exciting developments sit alongside the plans for the new Broadford Primary School and a community sports pitch which are currently being progressed to design and tender stage, which will also bring much improved learning and community facilities to another area of Skye.

“I would like to thank the Skye community, Stakeholders and Council Officers who have worked tirelessly with me and other Members over a number of years to get to this stage, they should be proud of their efforts to date, and they like I will be looking forward to the first phase of the Highland Investment Plan being delivered, with excitement and optimism.”

The Council’s Learning Estate Strategy (LES) aligns with the local priorities set out within the Highland Investment Plan (HIP) vision for developing its learning estate. The Learning Estate Strategy provides the vision and methodology for creating spaces that will enhance and sustain communities across the Highlands. It will support children and young people through their learning journey from early years through to primary and secondary education, including delivering for Additional Support Needs and enhanced provisions to meet the needs of all learners.  This is not only important to equip our young people with skills for life and work, but also to develop the workforce for the future to grow the Highland economy and sustain our communities across the whole Council area.

The full report can be accessed here (Item 5).