A new hostel at Mallaig, providing residential accommodation for pupils from the islands of Canna, Eigg, Muck and Rum as well as the Knoydart Peninsula, was officially opened yesterday.

The £4 million facility was built for The Highland Council by Les Taylor Construction.

The three-storey, 21-bedroom facility, stands on an elevated site adjacent to Mallaig High School, which was donated by landowner, Sir Cameron Mackintosh, the famous producer of musicals and theatre owner and the Mallaig Common Grazing Crofters.

Sponsored by the Council’s Education Culture and Sport Service, the building has been designed by architects in the Council’s Housing and Property Service and features a new dining room for the school, quiet space, social areas and maximises the use of the site through its access and views from the bedrooms.

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Councillor Michael Foxley, Leader of the Council’s Administration, said in opening the hostel: “This major investment by the Council once again highlights the importance this council attaches to our rural communities. Most importantly, the hostel provides pupils with a safe and homely environment. It will also be a useful community resource outwith school terms for residential workshops and holiday accommodation, which will generate income for the Council.”

Councillor Foxley recognised the important role played by former Mallaig Councillor, Charlie King, in promoting the project.

Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of the Education Culture and Sport Committee, paid tribute to the families, who had provided lodgings for the children over the last 10 years. He said: “They have done a really excellent job and we thank them sincerely for their care. However, what a benefit it will be having all the children from the Small Isles and Knoydart under one roof, where they can gain support from each other and have professionals on hand to address their individual and common concerns.”

(GK)