THE Highland Council has been given the go-ahead to carry on with plans to replace the four primaries in Wick with two new purpose-built schools serving the north and south of the town.
Scottish education cabinet secretary Michael Russell, who called in the council’s proposals, has confirmed he is content for the local authority to amalgamate Hillhead and North primary schools in a new school building on land available within North Primary School, and to join the South and Pulteneytown Academy in a new school to be built on the site of the existing high school playing field site and the site of Pulteneytown Academy.
The matter was called in by Scottish ministers after concern was expressed by Hillhead parent council about a consultation document which had been copied from another project.
Wick councillor Bill Fernie, chairman of the education, culture and sport committee, said: "This is a very positive outcome and I am very pleased that we are now able to progress these projects and hopefully have them opened by 2015.
"When completed these projects mean that Wick will have one of the best provisions for educational facilities in the Highlands and they will go a long way to promote regeneration.
"When combined with the new Wick High school and new community facilities such as the swimming pool and library we will have created one of the best learning and recreational environments in Scotland."
Fellow Wick councillor Gail Ross said: "This is great news for Wick, not just for parents and children in the area but for the wider community as well.
"We have to make sure now that the builds are kept within budget and delivered on time."
To read more on this story see this week’s Caithness Courier.
