£1.5 million refurbishment of Central Primary School

Following a £1.5 million refurbishment of Central Primary School, Councillor Drew Millar, Chair of Education, Children and Adult Services, reopened the two Victorian buildings at the school on 30th June.  

The refurbishment project, lead by LDN Architects and Morgan Sindall, created two nursery classes, kitchen and canteen in the school’s old Gaelic building; and developed a specialist support unit in the old school building. 

The school celebrated the official reopening with an evening reception attended by elected members of The Highland Council, parents, ex pupils and former staff.  The school choir entertained the guests and tours were conducted around the buildings.  

The local councillors and parents worked with Highland Council to ensure that the Old Gaelic Building was not lost to education, following some ten years of being vacant.   

Headteacher Derek Martin said: “The school was delighted to welcome our community to visit and explore how well these old buildings have been preserved, yet modernised for 21st Century learning.  It was great to see the surprised expressions of former staff and pupils especially as they toured our fantastic facilities.”  

Central is the oldest primary school in Inverness, established in 1821.  The current school site was established around 1870, with the second building opened in 1900.  Central school today has 3 buildings, 10 languages, and 270 children.  

Speaking after officially re-opening the Victorian buildings, Chairman of the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee, Councillor Drew Miller said: “A lot of hard work has gone into this project to bring life back into the old buildings so they are now the hub of this thriving school.  As a council we realise the importance of providing pupils and staff with the best learning opportunities and I am sure pupils for many years to come will continue to thrive and enjoy these excellent facilities.”