THE official opening of Caol Joint Campus in Fort William has taken place.
The campus, built by Kier Construction Scotland, comprises Caol Primary School, St. Columba’s Primary School and Caol Community Centre.
Bishop Brian McGee, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, and former Scotland international footballer Duncan Shearer, an ex-pupil of Caol Primary, unveiled a commemorative plaque after giving speeches to pupils and guests at a special event to mark the official opening.
Violet Smith, headteacher St. Columba’s Primary said, “The new joint campus provides a very bright, vibrant learning environment for pupils and staff. We are extremely happy with the design of the building, as it offers a new, innovative approach to learning and teaching as well as inspiring spaces for social integration.”
Steven Hamilton, headteacher at Caol Primary added, “Everyone is delighted to be working in such a modern, light building with spacious classrooms and break out spaces. We love the fact we have a shared campus with friends and colleagues who are able to work and share together, which is an added bonus. It is the perfect environment to continue delivering a high quality of education to the pupils of Caol.”
Councillor Andrew Baxter, chair of Lochaber Committee said, “This is the culmination of a major investment programme for new schools in the Fort William area. Schools are often the focal point for a local community. With two primary schools, a library and community facilities all on one site the Caol Campus is already proving to be the focal point for this community. It’s fantastic to hear how it is already being so well used by everyone in the local area.”
Sean O’Callaghan, area operations director for Kier Construction Scotland commented, “Kier has a strong track record of delivering quality schools throughout Scotland and Caol Campus offers a fantastic facility to nursery and primary students and the wider community – all powered by an energy centre which provides sustainable and efficient heating. Throughout the build, we have worked with local suppliers and SMEs to ensure that the project boosts the local economy of Fort William – creating six apprenticeships, two work placements and two graduated traineeships. This has given local young people valuable experience working on a state-of-the-art building and a unique insight into the diverse range of roles available in this thriving industry.”
