Highland Councillors have welcomed the decision to grant planning permission for a new school and community complex for Wick.

The proposed development includes a new high school, primary school, pre-school, community swimming pool/fitness suite and a community library.

Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chairman of The Highland Council's Adult and Children's Services Committee said: "This is another key achievement of the Council's Programme to provide modern schools for the Highlands through working with the Scottish Government. We are ensuring that young people in Caithness and the Highlands will have access to the best education system we can deliver."

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Local Highland Councillor Gail Ross, for the Wick Ward and Chairperson of the Wick Schools Stakeholders Group, added: "This is excellent news for pupils and families in Wick that planning permission has been granted for the Wick Schools and Community Complex. We look forward to seeing works starting and for the plans to become reality."

The proposal attracted two letters of representation, and the Council said the content was considered as part of the overall assessment. No objections were raised by any of the statutory consultees subject to conditions.

The proposal was classed as a major application and was subject of a processing agreement which was determined within the agreed timescales.

The developments represent an investment of approximately £39m, which is being funded by the Scottish Government and the Highland Council.

The Council hopes work on the project will commence before the end of this year, with an expected completion date of August 2015.

(JP/IT)