Case for replacement for Dingwall special needs school 'clear and widely recognised' says MSP
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THE case for a new Dingwall school for children with additional needs "is clear and widely recognised" according to a Ross-shire MSP.
Maree Todd, who has visited St Clement's and spoken with parents and carers, made her remarks ahead of a full meeting of Highland Council to discuss its capital spending plans.
The meeting is ongoing this afternoon and is being keenly watched in several parts of the region – including Dingwall and Invergordon where future new builds for St Clement's and Park Primary are on the line.
See also: MSP 'aghst' over Highland Council funding priorities
Highland Council turns its back on St Clement's and Park – again
Ms Todd said: "I’ve previously visited St. Clement’s School where I was able to see first-hand the condition of the building. It is clear and widely recognised that a new school is needed to meet the complex needs of pupils and provide a safe, high-quality learning environment.
“The Highland Council has rightly prioritised the replacement of St. Clement’s, demonstrating a strong desire to see a new school in place.
“However, we must acknowledge that governments at all levels are experiencing severe financial pressures due to a rise in inflation. This has left the Highland Council with a very challenging capital investment programme with project costs soaring beyond initial estimates.
“I understand a new school is still on the council’s agenda, pending the funding outcome of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP). The First Minister has confirmed that a decision on LEIP is imminent, but first the Scottish Government must work with local authority partners to understand the full extent of RAAC across the school estate.
“I look forward to an update, which I hope will provide the Highland Council with the clarity needed to plan improvements to our Highland school estate, including the replacement of St. Clement’s school.”
