Seventh new school for Western Isles
SGOIL Uibhist a’ Tuath, the seventh new school in the Western Isles in the past six years, was officially opened in North Uist this week.
The opening follows a £60million Western Isles Schools Project, the largest ever capital investment in the Western Isles.
The opening was performed by the Rev John Smith and his wife Margaret. Staff and parents celebrated, with the ceremony also including performances by the school choir.
The total cost of the new school is just under £9million, made up of £2.2m from Scottish Government and £6.6m by the comahirle, as part of a wider upgrade of the schools estate.
The work was completed by the contractor Robertson Group on time and within budget.
Comhairle convener Norman A MacDonald said: ‘I am delighted we have officially marked the opening of the new school. Staff and children are already benefiting from this excellent education facility which provides childcare, early years and primary education to the North Uist community in partnership with Saoghal Beag Nursery. There have been many improvements to our schools in the Western Isles over the past few years, not least the Western Isles Schools Project.
‘Our new schools will usher in a new era of educational opportunity and community facilities, in buildings that are the equal of any in Scotland.’