PLANS for the build of a new primary school and early learning and childcare facility in Tornagrain are to go on public display next month.
If approved, construction would begin in May 2027 with hub North Scotland delivering it on behalf of the Highland Council and Robertson Construction leading the build
The project is one of 10 school developments currently being progressed by The Highland Council and follows the recent opening of Tain Campus – which brings together Tain Royal Academy, Tain Primary School, and St Duthus School on a shared site.
The Tornagrain development forms part of the local authority’s wider Highland investment Plan – a £2.1 billion, 20-year capital investment programme to improve schools, roads and local infrastructure throughout the region. The plan is funded through a combination of borrowing and a 2% ring-fenced allocation of council tax revenue.
The new school will form part of a community point of delivery, which aims to bring together education alongside other services and partner organisations within modern, locally accessible community hubs.
The council is now seeking views as it prepares to submit its planning application later in the summer. Local people will get the opportunity to learn more about the proposals and share their views at a pre-application consultation event Wednesday 1 July, 2pm to 7pm, at Tornagrain Community Association’ community room on Mid Coul Road.
Chair of Highland Council’s education committee, councillor John Finlayson, said, “These are exciting and ambitious proposals which will place a modern school at the heart of a new and growing community. This project demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality learning environments where young people can thrive. We look forward to seeing this and several other developments taking shape in all areas of Highland as part of the Highland Investment Plan.”
Funded by The Highland Council and approved in May 2024 as part of the Highland Investment Plan (HIP), the new school will have capacity to accommodate up to 225 primary pupils and 72 nursery children, supported by approximately 32 staff.
The facility – located north of Hillhead Road, at the end of School Road – will feature eight classrooms initially alongside dedicated early years provision, with a strong focus on inclusivity.
Links to outdoor spaces and carefully considered layouts aim to create a calm and stimulating environment for children, staff and the wider community. The well positioned site has also been designed with the future in mind, allowing for expansion as Tornagrain continues to grow.
