School upgradings given priority in Council capital programme

School projects are given priority in the spending plans agreed by The Highland Council for the next five years and beyond. More than £150 million has been set aside for school improvements or new schools.

The recognition is that the Council needs to review its school portfolio to provide modern community schools. This could mean a new school being built to replace two or more schools.

Inverness Royal Academy is earmarked to receive £36.3 million and Wick High School, £34.2 million.

£46.6 million is set aside for improvements to other secondary schools in the Highlands; £22.5 million for implementing the recommendations of the Grater Fort William Primary School Review; and £17 million for improvements to primary schools, including £3.7 million for extensions to primary schools in Inverness.

£3.7 million is allocated to replace the Black Isle Education Centre and £2.7 million to upgrade Kingussie High School.

£5 million is allocated to upgrading residential homes for older people.

The replacement of office accommodation in Wick attracts £7.5 million and £2 million is set aside for office accommodation in Kingussie.

£13.5 million is set aside for structural carriageway improvements and £3 million for minor roads, while major bridge and lifeline bridge upgradings will receive £10 million and lifeline roads £1.5 million.

Flood prevention schemes will receive ££6.8 million.

Councillor David Alston, Budget Leader, said:  “We are committed to targeting our spending on education, through improvements to school buildings and new build to replace schools no longer fit for purpose.  Investment of £150 million is a huge commitment to our young people.  This will require reviewing education provision and creating modern schools with community facilities. We will also be modernising waste management and increasing recycling.”

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