Comhairle nan Eilean Siar plans to open Sir E. Scott Primary School on Thursday of this week.

Temporary accommodation on the secondary site has now been appropriately equipped.

Earlier today Morag Munro,Chair of Education and Children’s Services, said:
“The Community of Harris were shocked and saddened at damage caused by fire at Sir E Scott Primary School in Tarbert on Saturday evening.  The Fire Service responded quickly to the call for assistance and units from Tarbert, Scalpay, Leverburgh, Balallan and Stornoway attended.  Around 50% of the School was completely destroyed, while amazingly the other 50% was virtually untouched – the Gaelic Medium Classroom, the administration section, the computer suite and the gallery were all saved.  This is in no small way due to the valiant efforts of the Fire Service.  Although this is a devastating blow to the school and the community, we are thankful that the fire happened when there was no-one in the building and that the administration block and the computers were saved.  Of course, this is no consolation to the teachers and pupils whose classrooms and work were completely destroyed.  Cllr Catherine Macdonald, Cllr Philip Maclean, Cllr Catriona Stewart, Vice Chair Education and I met with Headteacher, Depute Heads and staff and we were very impressed with their positive attitude and with the fast progress they were making towards ensuring that pupils’ education will suffer as little disruption as possible.  Already they have identified accommodation on the Secondary school site and are in the process of equipping these rooms in readiness to receive pupils. The staff expressed their gratitude for the support they were receiving from the Education Department, parents and the community”.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

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