The Highland Council has awarded a major contract to improve the learning environment at Plockton High School and introduce a new biomass heating system for the entire school complex.

Mansell Construction Services Ltd's Elgin Business begin the £3 million project this week and, weather permitting, will aim to complete the contract by early next year.

The works include provision of a new dining hall, better access to classrooms, a new biomass heating system, a new home economics classroom and the conversion of the existing home economics room into a computer suite.

The development has been designed and project managed in house by the Council’s Housing and Property Service on behalf of the Education, Culture and Sport Service as client sponsor.

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The four Highland Councillors who serve Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh - Isabelle Campbell, Richard Greene, Audrey Sinclair, Jean Urquhart - are pleased that work is about to start on the eagerly-awaited extension.

Councillor Biz Campbell said: “To see this extension come to a reality is absolutely fantastic news. The children of our area deserve a good environment to work in.”

Councillor Audrey Sinclair said: “This design is an imaginative way of linking the existing two buildings. Apart from providing the additional facilities, it will enable the school to become a cohesive campus, making an immense difference to both pupils and staff.”

Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of the Education Culture and Sport Committee, said: “The Council is delighted to make this significant investment at Plockton High School. The improvements will make a real difference to the learning environment for pupils and staff.”

Duncan Ferguson, head teacher at Plockton High School, said: “Our school community is very pleased to see this major development going ahead. It will greatly enhance our facilities especially the new kitchen/dining room, home economics room and recreational space. In particular, for our 305 youngsters and 50 staff, it will mean movement across the campus will not require going outside when walking between the main teaching areas which will be a great benefit. We as a school look forward to working with Mansell and anticipate huge benefits for our school from this project.”

(GK)