A turf cutting ceremony has been held to mark the beginning of work on a new primary school in Fort William.

It marks the start of construction work on the new £10m school at Lundavra Road, which is to replace the existing Fort William and Upper Achintore Primary Schools to form an eleven class school.

In addition to primary school facilities - including a multi-purpose hall - the school will house a variety of other functions, including early years education, out of school care, special needs provision and community facilities.

Lochaber Highland Councillors and Members of the Council’s Gaelic Implementation Group were joined by Council officials, and key representatives from contactors GRAHAM Construction at the Lundavara site.

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Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chair of the Council’s Education, Children and Adult Services Committee said: "The turf cutting ceremonies are key milestones in the Council’s very significant capital programme of investment to provide modern schools in the Highlands and Fort William." 

Gary Holmes, regional director, GRAHAM Construction said: "We have a solid track record of delivering accommodation in the Highlands. Following the completion of Aviemore Community School and Kingussie High School, we are looking forward to applying our specialist expertise to deliver a high quality teaching and learning space with associated community facilities which Fort William will be proud of." 

Leader of the Council’s Lochaber Area Committee, Councillor Thomas MacLennan said: "This is a great step forward for Fort William– in addition to building this excellent new school, the Council will ensure that the new buildings act as local hubs with as much access as possible for the community."

(MH/IT)