Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has warmly welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Executive of financial support for a package of up to £48m investment in schools building and refurbishment in the Western Isles as part of the Public Private Partnership building Programme. The money, which will be the largest ever single capital investment in the Western Isles will be used for the refurbishing of Sir E. Scott School, the Nicolson Institute and Bayble School and to build a new school on the west side of Lewis. Pupils for Aird and Knock Schools will be accommodated in an upgraded Bayble School whilst pupils in Airidhantuim and Barvas will go to a new West Side School.

Chairman of Education Cllr. Norman L Macdonald said: “This is very welcome news. The Comhairle has been working on refurbishing schools throughout the Western Isles. This support from the Executive will allow us to open discussion with the building industry in a meaningful way to finalise structures and timetable for this huge investment. Our communities have been very patient and I thank them for that. They understand the significance of this investment for their children and the islands in general. We hope to be able to give them final details and, more importantly, a clear timetable for building the new and improved schools before the end of this year ".
“Formulating a bid which articulates the PPP model for a geographically disadvantaged area like the Western Isles has been a long and complex business. However, we are pleased that the particular circumstances of the Western Isles and the merits of the Comhairle’s PPP bid have been recognised today by the Scottish Executive. “

Murdo Macleod, Director of Education said: “This project will give an unprecedented boost to the modernisation of the schools building stock in the Western Isles directly benefiting 36% of the pupil population. There will also be further benefits as more of the Council’s conventional capital will be freed up for improvements in other schools throughout the islands.”

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk