Leader requests overview of education capital projects

Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson, has asked the Chief Executive for an overview of the delivery of education capital projects, to see where further improvements can be made and any problems can be avoided.

Cllr Davidson said: “During the past year we have learnt many lessons from previous projects and this has led to many improvements in project management and better reporting to elected members. However, in some of our bigger, more complex projects, we have seen issues around delivery on time and on budget.

“There will always be snagging in these big complex projects, but it is really important that there is effective communication between services in the Council, where education capital projects are carried out and where there are a number of senior officers and stakeholders who need to be informed in a timely manner when there are issues arising.

“I have also raised concerns about the performance of HubNorth at Inverness Royal Academy (IRA) and Wick Campus and have requested that these concerns are addressed at the earliest opportunity.”

She went on to say: “Having said this, I have just visited the new IRA building and was really impressed with the beautiful school building, especially the atrium and classroom facilities. The Council has delivered a great many excellent schools across the Highlands in recent months and years and we should not lose sight of this fact. The Council wants to build fantastic new facilities which improve the educational experience for our children and teachers and communities and we will continue to strive for the very best.”