Despite sustained pressure, there has been no real progress in the quest to replace the present dilapidated building, or at least secure a substantial refurbishment.

Determined efforts by Mr Stone, who has pressed the SNP-led Holyrood administration to step in and come to the school's aid, have so far drawn a blank.

The Highland Council has made it clear that it does not have the necessary financial resources to replace the school buildings and First Minister Alex Salmond has so far not responded to an appeal from Mr Stone.

So this week the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross Lib Dem MSP decided to take the fight directly to the person who holds the purse strings, namely Mr Swinney, the cabinet secretary for finance and sustainable growth In a letter to the minister, Mr Stone stressed the shocking state of the school, which he said was "unacceptable in this day and age", and referred Mr Swinney to copies of the John O'Groat Journal and Caithness Courier, which has been covering the campaign.

Mr Stone said that in the absence of any pledge of finance the situation was at an impasse and added: "This is where I would value your help."

He requested a meeting with Mr Swinney, along with members of the school's action committee, to discuss "how matters can be taken forward".

Mr Stone said: "In the Scotland-wide scheme of things, the condition of secondary schools in the Far North may not seem to be such a big issue, but to my constituents it is a very serious issue indeed. I do very much hope that you will feel able to come back with a positive response to my request."

The Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council gave its formal backing to Wick High's campaign at its monthly meeting on Tuesday, although some members expressed disappointment at the poor turnout at an open night at the school on April 22. One community councillor commented that it appeared the parents "want the best for their kids but are not prepared to do anything about it".

Acting chairman Martin Duffy said he would liaise with the action group to see how the community council could best assist the campaign.

The group is to give Caithness Highland councillors and local authority officials an audiovisual presentation on the state of the school at the Wick business forum on Monday, the night before the local ward forum.

The business forum will see the dossier of dilapidation on the school showing rusted radiators and rotten window frames, peeling paintwork, damp patches and cramped classrooms, water leaks, a poor decorative state and only three toilets to serve 800 pupils. The swimming pool has been deemed a health hazard and closed.

The campaign received some moral support last month from one of the school's "old boys", Lord Boyd of Duncansby, a former Lord Advocate for Scotland.

He said he had happy memories of his time as a pupil at Wick High and was concerned to learn that the school buildings had been allowed to deteriorate into what he described as "a deplorable state".

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart used the term "Dickensian" to describe it.

The online petition had attracted 824 signatures by late yesterday afternoon. The petition can be accessed here.

n.donaldson@nosn.co.uk

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