New facilities open at Eigg Primary School

A new nursery facility at Eigg Primary School, together with new housing accommodation for the teacher, Mrs Hilda Ibrahim and a new school office, will be formally opened on Thursday (16 August) by Councillor Bren Gormley, Vice-Chairman of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee.  Also represented will be the Lochaber Housing Association, who have worked in partnership with The Highland Council to create the new housing accommodation.

The new nursery and school office are located on the ground floor of the former schoolhouse, adjacent to the school itself.  The upper floor of the schoolhouse has been converted into a flat for use by the school staff.  An additional room has also been provided for use by the community. The cost is £440,000.

Prior to the creation of the new facilities, pre-school pupils on the island attended a nursery located at Tigh Corraraigh, a building operated by The Highland Council Social Work Service, but located over 2 miles from the school itself.  The school “office” was simply a corner of the main classroom and the condition of the schoolhouse was such that it was uninhabitable.

Councillor Gormley said: “It will be a great pleasure to open these excellent new facilities for Eigg Primary School.  This project has greatly enhanced the school and the island as a whole.  Since the community buy-out Eigg has flourished and this new nursery confirms the confident and vibrant future the island has.

“We, along with the Lochaber Housing Association, remain committed to working with the local community to continue the regeneration of the Isle of Eigg.”

Lochaber Highland Councillor, Michael Foxley has been closely involved with the project for many years.   He said: “I am delighted to see this project finally come to fruition after years of effort.  Retired Councillor Charlie King and I persuaded the Council to let the local Isle of Eigg Construction Company tender for the job.  Led by Simon Helliwell the work was carried out to a very high standard.  The Headteacher now has a beautiful flat, younger children have a superb nursery and the community has a great learning centre.  All will benefit for decades to come.”

Eigg Primary has a roll of 6 primary school pupils and 2 nursery pupils, which will rise to 3 later this year.

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