Highland school-build to share site with emergency services

A new primary school in the remote community of Lochaline, Morvern, is to incorporate accommodation for local fire and coastguard staff.

Members of The Highland Council’s Education Culture and Sport Committee were told today (Thursday) that positive and co-operative discussions have been taking place with both the Highland and Islands Fire and Rescue Service and the Maritime Coastguard Service with a view to delivering multiple services from the replacement building.

It is proposed that the replacement building will be on the current sloping site, with the fire station integrated into the lower part of the building complete with a separate access for fire appliances and car parking. Initial indications are that the building cost contribution for this accommodation is approximately £300,000, exclusive of the specialist fit out costs for the fire station. The Coastguard requirements are minimal and it is envisaged these will be met through the fire station accommodation.

Councillor Michael Foxley, Leader of the Council’s Administration, said: “I would like to thank the Council staff and local parents for all their work so far on this project. It is excellent that we have encouraged the Fire Service to take part in this new build. To co-ordinate public building construction into shared structures saves on both capital and revenue funding and it is something we need to see more of in the future across the Highlands. I have also worked with independent architects to explore various options to show that a new community building can go on to the existing site. Morvern will be delighted with this news.”

Subject to approval by the Highland and Islands Fire Board, a further report will be brought to the ECS Committee seeking member approval for the proposed future joint working arrangements.