Opening of £4 million extension to Kingussie High

A £4 million extension to Kingussie High School was officially opened today (Friday 20 September), when staff and pupils said farewell to their head teacher, John Tracey, who is retiring after more than six years at the helm.

The celebration was marked by the oldest pupil, Harry Grant and the youngest pupil, Stephenie Dare cutting a ribbon and the unveiling of  a new school flag and the premiere of the school’s new tune, 'Gu Dichiollach' ('With Diligence').

The new accommodation at Kingussie High School sees four temporary huts replaced by a new block which consists of 9 classrooms plus specialist classrooms for Art and Design and Music. There is also a Pupil Support Unit which is kitted out to a high specification to allow all learners to attend the school.

At the same time the school has been given a new entrance and much-needed social space for the pupils, new car parking  and new social space along the promenade for pupils.

The contractor was Graham Construction.

Mr Tracey started teaching in 1975 in Notre Dame High School, Greenock and also served at Tarbert Academy, Argyll 1983-1988 and Websters High School, Kirriemuir 1988-1997.  Between 1993-95, he was Adviser in Social Subjects, Tayside Region.
He moved to the Highlands in 1997 as Depute Head Teacher of Fortrose Academy and got the Head Teacher’s job at Kingussie High in April 2007.
 
Mr Tracey said: “We are delighted that all of the hard work in campaigning for an upgrade of the school has paid off. I commend the fortitude and patience of staff, pupils and families while the contractors were building. The journey was worth it with us having reached our destination, and what a destination! A school the community can be proud of.”