Plans for a new Anderson High School, as well as the associated facilities, on Shetland have taken a step forward, according to Hub North Scotland and the Shetland Islands Council.

Hub North Scotland – the driving force behind the planning, procurement and delivery of community-based infrastructure projects across the north of Scotland – has been appointed to develop the project to create the school and halls of residence, in addition to the refurbishment of the Clickamin Leisure Complex.

The project is expected to take around two years to complete.

According to the local authority, the administrative requirements have now been completed, allowing the proposals to move forward to the design stage.

Councillor Vaila Wishart, Chair of the Education and Families Committee said: "This partnership which Shetland Islands Council has entered into with Scottish Futures Trust, the Scottish Government and Hub North Scotland will mean that the new Anderson High School will be financed by both the Scottish Government and Shetland Islands Council.

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"After such a long time it is good to know that a new Anderson High School will now be designed and built over the next couple of years."

The £42m project is one of a number of developments in the education sector being led by Hub North Scotland, the joint venture company formed between the public and private sectors. The £31m replacement of the existing Inverness Royal Academy and £50m Wick Community Campus are also on the list as part of a wider £435m project pipeline for the next 10 years.

Angus Macfarlane, Chief Executive of Hub North Scotland, added: "Our board has accepted the new project requests and we are moving forward to the design phase. It is encouraging to see momentum building and we look forward to working with Shetland Islands Council and the community to continue this progress. There has already been extensive consultation with all of the stakeholders and that will continue throughout the process.

"There has also been interest from local suppliers regarding potential contract opportunities. Miller Construction, the lead contractor for the site, is holding a 'meet the buyer' event which will likely take place later this year."

(JP/MH)