Conservative MSP Edward Mountain hits out at “snail’s pace” of improvement to Highland school buildings
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New data shows that 60 primary schools in the Highlands are rated as being in a poor condition – a third of the Scottish total – while 11 secondaries were also rated as poor, a quarter of the national total.
Conservative Highland MSP Mr Mountain said: “Progress in delivering renovations or new school campuses is happening at a snail’s pace. Pupils and teaching staff deserve better than this. I have been appalled at some of the poor conditions I have witnessed. It’s simply unacceptable for this to continue year after year. The Scottish Government and the Highland Council need to take urgent action so our children are given the opportunities for their future that they deserve.”
Council education committee chairman John Finlayson defended the council noting it has the biggest school estate in Scotland.
He said: “Clearly, while the huge rise in construction costs continues to add pressure to many planned works across all sectors, the council continues to move forward its plans to support the building of new schools in the areas where priorities have been identified.
“There will never be enough money to replace or upgrade every building in our vast school estate, but the council is committed to doing what it can with the resources it has.”
