'Unequivocal answers' needed about the future of Thurso High School, says local councillor
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A Caithness councillor wants "unequivocal answers" about the future of Thurso High after it emerged a second block at the school is being checked.
Matthew Reiss, a Thurso and Northwest Caithness Highland councillor, made the plea following the decision last month by Highland Council to close the building adjacent to Ormlie Road due to structural concerns.
The building was constructed in the 1960s as an extension to the school. The decision to close it was made on the recommendation of specialist structural engineers.
Mr Reiss said questions need to be answered about the closure of the block at Thurso High and is pressing for the "likely projected lifespan of the remaining buildings".
"I want unequivocal answers about the future of the school and what is going to happen," said Mr Reiss, who pointed out that it appears a different type of concrete was used in the construction of the closed block. He explained that the concrete used seems to lose its strength if exposed to moist conditions.
"I will be asking questions in a constructive way at the next Highland Council meeting on December 8. I am hoping very much that the rest of the buildings are okay."
He added: "The school is inspected regularly so I don't understand how suddenly the block – referred to as A block – can go from being safe to a situation where an emergency evacuation was required. That question has not been answered yet."
Mr Reiss reckoned it would cost between £7 million and £8 million "at a conservative estimate" to replace the block and around £70 million for a new school.
He stressed that specialist engineers are assessing the structures at the school and will report back to the council on their findings.
"If the news is good then we have a breathing space but if the news is bad then Highland Council has to start planning for a new school immediately," said Mr Reiss, who said the local authority has a mandatory duty to provide education.
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He said the closure of the school block is "the biggest issue in the town at the moment". Mr Reiss claimed there have been issues with leaks in the school and recalled that the roof of A block blew off in storms in 2014.
"Highland Council moved quickly to carry out inspections. The remaining buildings have not been closed and I am reasssured by that. It is a hopeful sign," he added.
Mr Reiss said the safety of the pupils and staff is paramount and said the local authority is making arrangements for alternative temporary accommodation while A block is closed.
His Thurso and Northwest Caithness council colleague, Ron Gunn, said: "A lot of questions need to be asked and I hope we get answers, although we are waiting to get the official report on the situation. Parents and staff are asking questions, too.
"My understanding is that a second block at the school is also being checked. It seems four buildings in the Highlands have been built with this type of concrete used in the block at Thurso High," added Mr Gunn.
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: "Discussions continue to be ongoing with specialist contractors about the nature and extent of the issues and the potential temporary and permanent solutions. That will then be taken forward via a full options appraisal process to confirm feasibility, timescales and cost implications."
The parent council said it will "support the school in whatever way may be required".
Thurso High, which has around 700 pupils, was officially opened in October 1958. It is the most northerly secondary on the British mainland and serves Thurso and the surrounding rural area, including the villages of Castletown, Halkirk and Reay.
