Blog launched to promote discussion on Alness and Invergordon schools’ review.

The Highland Council has today (10 June 2013) launched an online blog seeking comments on three options for the future of school provision in Alness and Invergordon. The public can have their say and ask questions by visiting http://www.highland.gov.uk/sser.htm. Developments will be announced from the Council’s twitter account @HighlandCouncil and from @Educat1st.

Also available is a new website: http://www.education1st.org.uk/, which contains background information on the schools in and around Alness and Invergordon and an online survey which members of the public are invited to complete by 5 July 2013.

A number of events are being held across Easter Ross to explain the Council’s Sustainable School Estate Review in Alness and Invergordon, including two drop-in events at the Wallace Room, Heritage Centre, High Street, Alness on Monday 24 June and the Town Hall, High Street, Invergordon, on Tuesday 25 June, both running from noon until 7 pm.

The review has focused on three broad options for the Alness and Invergordon area.  It has considered the educational benefits of the options and has estimated the costs.  The options are:

Option 1:

Option 2:

This is estimated to cost around £56 million and could be built over six years between 2017 and 2022 inclusive subject to funding being available.

Option 3:

This is estimated to cost around £56 million including a new pool and community facilities and could be built over a three year period subject to funding being available.

Previous SSER studies have led to the construction of the new Ben Wyvis Primary School, two new primary school developments in Fort William, and the planned replacement of all schools in Wick.  Plans are also being drawn up to create a new ‘3 to 18 Campus’ to replace all the schools in Tain.