Structural steelwork for the new Forres Academy will begin on Monday 2 November 2026, signalling a major milestone in the project's delivery.

The next phase of the £88.6m build will see the steel frame installed through to the end of January 2027.

Backed by Scottish Government funding through Phase 3 of the Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), the scheme is being delivered by hub North Scotland, with Balfour Beatty as the main contractor.

Since work commenced in June, progress has included upgrades to footpaths, site access improvements and the building's foundations, with drainage works currently under way.

Cllr Kathleen Robertson, Chair of Moray Council's Education, Children's and Leisure Services Committee, said: "It's really exciting to see the new Forres Academy building beginning to take shape, with initial groundworks now complete.

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"This is a major investment in education in Forres, and I look forward to seeing the building continue to emerge over the coming weeks."

Ewen Fowlie, Operations Director for hub North Scotland, who are Moray Council's delivery partner for the project, said: "This is a significant moment for the new Forres Academy as the community will now see the building begin to take shape. The project team are determined to deliver a new facility which will be enjoyed by generations to come."

During this period, construction traffic will increase as steel and other materials are brought to site. Deliveries will be carefully timed outside school drop-off and pick-up periods to reduce disruption for pupils, parents and other road users.

Additional noise is anticipated and will be monitored and managed to remain within acceptable limits, with measures in place to minimise impact on the surrounding community.

Moray Council and Balfour Beatty thanked residents for their ongoing patience and understanding as the works progress.

Latest updates on the project, including forthcoming activity and on-site progress, are available via Moray Engage: engage.moray.gov.uk/new-forres-academy-construction.