A £460,000 upgrade and extension has brought Glenelg Primary School in Lochalsh up to standards required for a 21st Century teaching establishment.

The investment by The Highland Council's Education Culture and Sport Committee was marked by an opening ceremony conducted by Mrs Lilian Cameron, the first nursery assistant at the school.

Glenelg Primary was a simple two classroom school with dining hall and very limited staff accommodation. The new extension and re-modelling of the school provides three classrooms, a staff base, accessible toilet and a shared resource area fitted out with the latest computer technology. The dining hall no longer has to serve as nursery accommodation and the pupil toilets no longer have to double as cloakroom facilities. The completed school allows for flexibility in the use of space along with full access to the curriculum by pupils what ever their needs..

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The construction includes a super-efficient, engineered timber extension with insulated walls and roof using recycled paper insulation. The whole construction is designed for as natural an internal environment as possible with 'breathable' walls and roof which promotes the migration of water vapour through the structure maintaining even humidity. Durable external materials were selected for long life and low maintenance properties while internal finishes include natural paint and allergy UK-approved floor coverings. Pupils and staff now enjoy a warm and healthy learning environment with natural light and ventilation.

To reduce on-going heating costs a ground-source heat pump and solar water collections have been installed. Additionally the Council will be installing photo voltaic cells which will reduce on-going electricity costs in the very near future.

At the opening ceremony, local Highland Councillor Isabelle Campbell said: "I am delighted that the pupils at Glenelg Primary and their teachers can now benefit from the major improvements to their school. The sustainability of the design and engineering will ensure that future staff and pupils will also benefit from the investment."

Head Teacher, Mrs Catherine Quinn added: "This has been a complete overhaul of the entire school with full consideration given to the needs of the pupils and staff for learning

"The Nursery staff and early stage staff work closely together and all the pupils benefit from the additional classroom space and the dedicated enclosed play area. We are delighted the Council’s investment in our community."

(GK/JM)