Wick High report could support new-school plea

Published: 16 May, 2008

THE rector of run-down Wick High has welcomed a move by the Highland Council to commission a report on the feasibility of building a new school on the existing site.

advertising

Alister Traill was updating members of the Wick ward forum on Tuesday about a meeting of the local authority's business forum held the previous day at which the parent council argued its case for a new school and reinforced it with an audiovisual presentation on the dilapidated state of the buildings.

The parent council launched a campaign for a new school early in March.

Mr Traill said the feasibility study, paid for by the Highland Council, had been sanctioned by the director of education, Hugh Fraser, and he added: "It will give us a lot of information and everyone should know where they stand. However, the study does not mean that we are going to get a new school."

Wick Highland councillor Katrina MacNab said that the study would help support their case, particularly in the face of claims for new schools from other areas in the Highlands.

The forum chairman, Councillor Bill Fernie, said the study would produce a lot of information, such as a projection on the anticipated pupil numbers in the future. He added: "It will be useful."

Mr Traill asked: "Is Wick the only school getting such a study?"

Mr Fernie, who is chairman of the Highland Council's education, culture and sport committee, replied: "To my knowledge, yes."

Councillor Graeme Smith remarked wryly: "Until word gets out and then they'll all want one." The study is expected to be complete by October.