THE start of work on a new school to serve the Ross-shire villages of Maryburgh and Conon Bridge was marked this week at a turf-cutting ceremony, which was described as a "bittersweet" occasion by a local councillor.
Primary 5 pupils Calum Beaton from Maryburgh primary and Kerry Wilson from Conon Bridge primary were joined by Highland Council's education committee chairman Bill Fernie in cutting the first turfs at the school site.
The £8.9million building, which will replace the current primaries in both villages, will be built on the existing Conon Bridge school grounds and is expected to be completed by June next year.
After consultation with pupils, staff and the community, Ben Wyvis has emerged as the frontrunner for the name of the new school. The other three options in the running are Leanaig, Seaforth and Dunglass.
Pupils will be voting this week for their favourite and their recommendation will be presented to Highland Council for determination.
The four Highland councillors who serve Dingwall and Seaforth are pleased that work is about to start on the eagerly-awaited new school.
Councillor Angela MacLean said, "This is a bittersweet day for both Maryburgh and Conon Bridge Primary Schools.
"However, from today with the cutting of this turf, we have reached a watershed and from this moment on the two communities will be united in working to support the children and staff in ensuring that this new school will be the best and most exciting facility possible for all."
Councillor Margaret Paterson said, "Although I am extremely sorry to see Maryburgh Primary close, this is a very exciting time for pupils, parents and staff of both schools. The new school will be a centre of excellence for many generations of pupils to come."
The new school will have 10 classrooms as well as a nursery and wrap-around childcare facilities, a two-court sports hall with changing rooms, kitchen and dining facilities, school library as well as a community room and kitchen.
The existing school building will be demolished to make way for the multi-use games area which will be used by both the school and the community.
In anticipation of future population growth, the school has been designed with the potential for future expansion of up to three additional classrooms.
The development has been designed and project managed in house by the Council's housing and property service on behalf of the education, culture and sport service as client sponsor.
William Smillie, construction director at school builders, Barr Construction, said, "This new primary school will break new ground in terms of its sustainable features such as a biomass boiler and waste management systems. The project will give opportunities for local subcontractors and suppliers to work with us in creating this state-of-the-art education facility.
"We look forward to the building being enjoyed by all pupils and we are confident it will become a focal point of the community for years to come.
"Working in partnership with the local community, Barr will keep local families informed during the project to ensure safety and minimise inconvenience."
