Mallaig High School hostel welcomes first residents
Mallaig High School’s new £4 million residential hostel welcomed its first residents today (Monday).
The new hostel enables the Council to meet its longstanding ambition to provide suitable residential accommodation for pupils from Canna, Eigg, Knoydart, Muck and Rum attending Mallaig High School to be accommodated as one group.
The three-storey, 21 bedroom facility, was built by Les Taylor Construction and stands on an elevated site adjacent to the school, which was donated by Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
Sponsored by the Council’s Education Culture and Sport Service, the building has been designed by architects in the Council’s Housing and Property Service. The new facility provides a comfortable, safe and homely environment for those staying at the facility. The design includes provision for dining, quiet space, social areas and maximises the use of the site through its access and views from the bedrooms.
It opens with 12 residents and over the next three – four years will build up to its capacity of 30 residents. Supervising the hostel will be Mrs Mairi Maclean, who has been looking after the children’s lodgings over the past five years.
Councillor Michael Foxley, Leader of the Council’s Administration, said: “This is a major investment by the Council and recognises the importance this council attaches to our rural communities. Not only will the hostel provide pupils with a stable environment and certainty as to where they will be staying during their secondary school career it will also be a useful community resource out with school terms for residential workshops and holiday accommodation.”
Councillor Foxley recognised the important role played by former Mallaig Councillor, Charles King, in promoting the project.
Councillor Allan Henderson, Caol and Mallaig Ward, added: “The hostel is a real community asset. The children of Knoydart and the Small Isles will have one of the finest living environments whilst continuing their studies. They will be the envy of 5 star hotels worldwide, with the spectacular views afforded from the hostel.”
Martin Sullivan, head teacher of the 135-pupil school, said: “The new hostel is very good news for the school and the community. We are very grateful to the families that our pupils have lodged with over the last ten years. They have done an excellent job.
“However, what a benefit it will be having all the children from the Small Isles and Knoydart under one roof, where they can gain support from each other and have professionals on hand to address their individual and common concerns. The hostel will make it easier for pupils to make friends and adapt to life away from home.”