A topping out ceremony has been held to mark the midway point in construction of the new £34million Inverness Royal Academy.
Representatives from The Highland Council, development partner hub North Scotland, Inverness Royal Academy and main contractor Morrison Construction came together to celebrate the completion of the highest point of work on the building.
Councillor Drew Millar, chair of the Council’s education, children and adult services committee and hub North Scotland chief executive Angus Macfarlane led the ceremony which saw the inflation of the twin skin translucent roof over the facility’s atrium.
The unique air filled system allows for the transmission of over 90% of visible light, helping create a bright and striking entrance to the complex. Work on the new school, which is part of The Highland Council’s modern schools building programme, commenced in August last year and, once complete, will see a new four-storey six-year high school built on the site of the existing Inverness Royal Academy.
Angus Macfarlane, chief executive of hub North Scotlandsaid, “This in an important milestone for the build of the Inverness Royal Academy and marks a year of construction work on the new facility. Progress on the site is continuing to gather momentum and the topping out ceremony has helped provide a visual demonstration of the work that has already went in to what will eventually be a first-class facility which will bring major benefits to the wider Inverness community.”
Donald Mclachlan, regional director – Highland, Morrison Construction added “The inflation of the last area, the twin skin translucent roof, is another exciting step towards the school’s completion, which is on time and budget, and we are all looking forward to seeing Inverness Royal Academy open to the pupils next June. This is going to be a fabulous facility when it is finished and I am sure the local community will feel a great sense of pride in this building.”
Hub North Scotland comprises Alba Community Partnerships (a joint venture of Galliford Try Investments, Equitix and Sweett Investment Services), Scottish Futures Trust and 16 Northern Territory Partners, working with local suppliers and contractors to deliver quality buildings and services.
