New building for Alness Academy

The Highland Council welcomes the confirmation today (25 January 2016) of Scottish Government funding to achieve a new building for Alness Academy. 

The Council will be required to match this funding, and provision has already been made in the Council’s capital programme to enable this to happen.  While the full details have still to be finalised with the Scottish Government, these plans indicate the work commencing around 2019/20.

Chair of the Council’s Education, Children and Adult Services Committee, Councillor Drew Millar said: “Alness Academy has been a major priority for Highland Council.  I have been concerned at the condition of the building, and with this announcement we can proceed as quickly as possible to give the community a school they will be proud to attend and deserve.  It is good news for Highland Council, and it is great news for children and families in Alness.”

Head Teacher Laura Gordon added: “A new building will enhance the school experience for all pupils, providing an organised and inviting learning environment and opportunities for pupils to further develop their skills for life, learning and work.

“Our staff, pupils and families deserve to know they are valued and have a school building they can be proud of, where the school is the heart of the community and Alness Academy is the best choice for all young people who live here.”

The confirmation of this funding will also enable the Council to confirm funding and progress plans to make improvements to other schools in Alness and Invergordon.  There will be further discussions with parent groups in both communities, to take these plans forward.

The current pupil roll at Alness Academy is 427.