Strathgarve Primary building closed after being 'deemed unsafe' and 'no longer fit for purpose'

A Strathgarve Primary School building has been closed after issues were identified with the building, and being "deemed unsafe".

All eight pupils at Strathgarve Primary School are currently being educated in the main school block.

The Garve and District Community Council said that parents and carers were informed on October 20 that "substantial structural issues" were identified by a structural engineer survey of the standalone classroom.

It is understood that the issues identified cannot be easily remedied. This has led to the closure of the classroom for staff and pupils with immediate effect. All pupils have now been moved to the main building for classes, until more is known.

The news comes after the Scottish government rejected school funding for the Highland Council area.

Councillor Liz Kraft said: "Our school estate is the worst in Scotland. Learning Estate Improvement Plan (LEIP) bids unsuccessful this year, however in part due to the fact that we have received significantly more funding up until now from the Scottish Government than any other local authority.

"Strathgarve Primary School is one of the latest to close part of the school building as it was deemed unsafe. It is essential that this is addressed across all Highland and we will be looking at how to take this forward.

"Our children need safe and fit for purpose spaces to learn. There are various options however the first step will be that Highland Council engages with the parents and families to find out what their preferences are."

A Highland Council spokesperson said: "Strathgarve Primary School is open. An external building which was being used as a classroom is now closed, and pupils have been moved into the main school building."

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