Plans to build five new schools in the Outer Hebrides moved ahead yesterday as Comhairle nan Eilean Siar agreed the design of the new facilities in principle.

The Education Committee today heard that there had been a lot of interest from potential tenderers and it was important to move forward with the tendering process to take advantage of that interest and to minimise costs.

The Committee's decision was later agreed by the full Comhairle. The Chief Executive and the Project Board will finalise the designs with a view to inviting tenders in November and prices being returned early next year.

Leader of the Comhairle Angus Campbell said: "This is another important milestone in our aim to build five new schools in the islands and we are making good progress. I am optimistic that we can maintain that progress and that this unprecedented level of investment in our schools estate will not only provide new facilities for pupils but also provide a major economic boost for the construction sector and its associated supply chain."

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Cllr Norman A Macdonald, Chair of Sgoiltean Ura, the armslength company set up to deliver the project for the Comhairle, added: "We are all determined to make this happen and to make it happen as soon as possible. We are all working together to achieve this key project of the Comhairle. The market conditions are favourable and I am delighted that, as a Comhairle, we have taken a very positive decision today which will enable us to proceed to the next stage,"

The Western Isles Schools Project is the biggest ever capital spend in the Islands and will see new facilities at the Nicolson Institute, Sir E. Scott School, Point, Balivanich and on the West Side of Lewis.

The current estimated cost of construction is £60m with a further £50m being earmarked for the maintenance and facilities element over the next 30 years.

The Nicolson Institute element has outline planning permission but it is hoped that full planning applications for all the new schools can be submitted towards the end of this year with on-site work starting by summer 2010.

(GK/BMcC)