Nearly £8 million worth of school improvement projects are set to begin in the Highlands.

The council has awarded three contracts to McGregor Construction and Morrison Construction to carry out works at three Inverness schools.

Morrison has secured a £500,000 deal to carry out various works at St Joseph's Primary School. Features include replacement and refurbishment of existing windows, the formation of a new visitors entrance and some internal alterations to ancillary accommodation. As the building is listed, a listed building consent had to be obtained for these works.

In addition, the company have also been appointed to carry out £4.4 million of improvement works at Inverness High School. Works include the refurbishment of classrooms in the front block of the main building, including the replacement of the original windows and upgrading of the electrical and heating installations.

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This is the first phase of the planned refurbishment of the school buildings, with the remaining works to be phased over the coming years. As the building is listed, work has taken place with Historic Environment Scotland regarding some specifications such as the window replacements and external render repairs.

In addition, £3m deal at Cauldeen Primary School has been secured by McGregor Construction. Features include the construction of an extension block for pupils with additional support needs, expansion of the nursery provision, a new multi-use games area, grass playing field and new access in addition to external improvements to the footpaths and car park.

The developments are being funded by the Council's Capital Programme on behalf of the Care and Learning Service, with design and delivery handled by by the Council's Property Service.

(LM)