Council Backs Major Facelift For Lochaber High

Plans to fund a £10.2 million major refurbishment of Lochaber High School have been approved by Highland Councillors. The major facelift is scheduled to be phased between 2007-2011.  It follows the recently-completed science accommodation upgrade. The go ahead follows detailed discussions between the Council, the school and school board representatives over the past 18 months, with advice provided by independent consultants. One of the elements in a recent critical HMIe report concerned the unsatisfactory state of the accommodation.

Councillor Michael Foxley, Council Vice-Convener, Chairman of the Budget Working Group and Chairman of the Lochaber Area Education Culture and Sport Committee, warmly welcomed the Council’s commitment to Lochaber High School. He said: "Today we have agreed a four-year funding package for Lochaber High, which demonstrates our strong commitment to the pupils and staff. We have worked closely with education officials to treble the previously planned investment and this will ensure the modern and high quality learning environment that our young people deserve."

Councillor Andy Anderson, Chairman of Education Culture and Sport, recognised that Lochaber High School was a priority for refurbishment.  He said: "The school was built to accommodate a roll of 1,800.  Times have moved on and we are now planning to provide a 21st century environment for 900 pupils.  We have worked very closely with the school and the local community to take this project to fruition."

 Donnie Campbell, Rector of Lochaber High School said: "This is a land mark occasion for the school, which will be transformed by this major investment. Many people have worked very hard to achieve this, including council members, staff and our very supportive School Board."

Hilary Hemm, Chair of the School Board, said:  "The School Board are delighted at this news.  The refurbishment will be of enormous benefit to pupils, staff and the whole Lochaber community."

The upgrade will involve a mix of new build, refurbishment and demolition which will significantly change the external view of the school, ensuring that it can be recognised as a modern school building. The new build will include a pupil entrance, library, music facilities and administration block, as well as significant changes to teaching spaces in the form of relocated technical rooms, home economics rooms, general classrooms and the upgrading of the physical education faculty. 

The central courtyard would be opened up with a view direct to Ben Nevis through the demolition of the central 3-storey building that shades the current courtyard. As part of the changing of the school façade and opening up of the school entrance the demolition of the current administration block, janitor’s house and minor buildings is also proposed.