A new teaching block is to be built at Fortrose Academy alongside refurbishment of existing facilities as part of multi-million-pound investment in the learning environment by The Highland Council.
Pupils, parents, staff and members of the community are invited to view the plans at a drop-in event at Fortrose Library on Wednesday 7 October between 2pm and 7pm. A second drop-in will take place after the October school break on Wednesday 18 November between 2pm and 7pm at Fortrose Academy.
The project will be funded through the Highland Investment Plan - a £2.1 billion, 20-year capital investment programme to improve schools, roads and local infrastructure throughout the region. The plan is funded through a combination of borrowing and a 2% ring-fenced allocation of Council Tax revenue.
As part of the Highland Investment Plan, all new school buildings will be designed as Community Points of Delivery (PODs), with the flexibility to accommodate education provision alongside other community facilities, council services and partner organisations, within modern, locally accessible community hubs.
The investment in the Fortrose Academy Community PoD will include:
- Partial demolition of existing buildings and construction of a new two-storey extension comprising teaching spaces and a dedicated additional support needs base.
- A new 3G sports pitch.
- The existed listing building will be retained and adapted to provide a new front entrance and office/community room space.
External spaces will also be enhanced around the school site.
Hub North Scotland is the council's delivery partner for the Highland Investment Plan. Morrison Construction has been identified as the preferred main contractor.
Chair of Highland Council’s education committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “The Highland Investment Plan represents a long-term commitment to our communities and infrastructure. This investment will retain a listed building while provide high-quality teaching spaces and facilities that will benefit the wider community.”
Black Isle ward members, Cllr Sarah Atkin, Cllr Lyndsey Johnston, and Cllr Morven-May MacCallum, added: “We are delighted to see this significant investment in Fortrose Academy moving forward. This is a real opportunity to give our young people a school that is fit for the future – providing modern, welcoming and inspiring spaces where pupils can learn, develop and achieve their full potential. Fortrose Academy sits at the heart of the Black Isle and we would encourage everyone to come along to the community drop-in sessions, have a look at the emerging proposals and, most importantly, tell us what you hope to see for the school in the years ahead."
The drop-in events planned in October and November have been planned to gather community feedback prior to planning permission being submitted.
A stakeholder group for the project was established earlier this year, comprising local councillors, High Life Highland, community councils, and parent, pupil and school representatives. It ensures key stakeholders are kept up-to-date and can provide feedback as the project moves forward.
The works are due to commence on site in 2027, with the new extension block scheduled to open first, ahead of all works completing in 2030.