Work to begin developing a new high school in Moray has been granted approval.

The £28 million Elgin High School project had stalled due to an issue with EU accounting, which also affected 11 other projects across Scotland.

However, the EU, UK and Scottish Governments have solved the impasse and instructed work to proceed.

-- Advertisement --

The delay cost the council £100,000 a month in construction inflation costs, but the Scottish Government have offered an extra £500,000 to help offset this.

Work on the 1,000-pupil strong school is expected to start in March and last for 18 months.

Completion is scheduled for October 2017.

Council Leader Stewart Cree said: "It has been a very frustrating time for parents, teachers, pupils and the council, so I'm pleased we can finally get on with the job.

"We've already undertaken access works to reduce the time it will take to build, and I'm sure construction will commence on site as soon as possible in the new year."

(LM/MH)