Former pupil officially opens Fort William school
Dr Finlay Wild, officially opened Lundavra Primary School today (24 June) by unveiling a plaque at the new school.
Dr Wild said: "As a former pupil of Fort William Primary School I was delighted to be invited to meet the pupils of the new Lundavra Primary. As a runner and GP it was great to speak to the kids about running and keeping active, and to join them in their Daily Mile run. I'm looking forward to the Opening Ceremony and was very touched to be asked to participate in this."
Dr Wild unveils a plaque.
Lundavra Primary School opened its doors to pupils after the October break on Wednesday 28th October 2015. The current pupil roll is 237 Primary and 50 Nursery pupils. Located on Lundavra Road, Fort William, with panoramic views over Loch Linnhe, the school replaced Upper Achintore and Fort William Primary Schools. Head Teacher, Nick Thomson said: “The new school has provided a fantastic learning environment in a beautiful setting for our pupils and staff to work in.”
Councillor Drew Millar, Chair of Highland Council’s Education, Children and Adult Services Committee said: “I am delighted to see another new school being opened in Lochaber. Lundavra School is another fantastic asset to the area and is another example of the Highland Councils commitment to providing 21st century schools to enable our children to enjoy a first class learning environment. This latest facility brings the Councils investment in Education and other projects in Lochaber to over £40 million in the past 5 years and over the next two years there will be other significant capital investments by Highland Council in the area.”
The unveiling ceremony was opened and closed to the sound of bagpipes with Dr Finlay Wild and Bill Alexander, Highland Council’s Director of Care and Learning addressing the gathered guests. During the opening ceremony, pupils sang the school song, ‘Give it all you’ve got’.
Lochaber Area Committee Leader, Councillor Thomas MacLennan said: “It's another wonderful new school for Lochaber and will be a real community asset for this part of Fort William, I'm sure the setting and beautiful views will inspire local children for generations to come.”
Some of the groups using the school include: Health Visitors running the Stepping Stones project for toddlers and parents, a baby massage class; High Life Highland sports groups and the parent-led weekly Youth Club.
Gary Holmes, Regional Director at GRAHAM Construction, said: “It has been a privilege to deliver the new Lundavra Primary School on behalf of The Highland Council. Our team has especially enjoyed working in such a scenic location for the duration of this project, and we hope the pupils, staff, parents and wider Fort William community are pleased with the end result."
At the opening