Inverness High School

The new plans form part of efforts to modernise the learning space, which forms part of a multi-million-pound investment from The Highland Council.

Pupils, parents, staff and members of the community have been invited to view the plans at a drop-in event on 6 October between 2 pm and 7 pm at Inverness High School.

On 17 November between 2 pm and 7 pm, another drop-in will take place following the October school break.

The drop-in events have been arranged to get community feedback ahead of planning permission being submitted.

The project will receive funding from the Highland Investment Plan - a £2.1 billion, 20-year capital investment programme working to enhance schools, roads and local infrastructure in the region.

The plan is funded via a mix of borrowing and a 2% ring-fenced allocation of Council Tax revenue.

Under the Highland Investment Plan, all new school buildings will be designed as Community Points of Delivery (PODs), with the flexibility to cater for education provision alongside other community facilities, council services and partner organisations, within contemporary, locally accessible community hubs.

The investment in the Inverness High School Community PoD includes:

• A new-build sports block with fitness suite and community room.
• A new 3G sports pitch
• An additional support needs base, which will be delivered in a refurbished area within the present sports block.
• Existing modular units, a games hall and a vacant 1970s wing of the building - none of which are fit for purpose - will be knocked down.
• Accessibility to and from the school will be enhanced.
• Enhancements to external social areas

The project has been planned to safeguard the heritage of the art deco style of the building. 

The preferred main contractor has been identified as Ogilvie Construction.

Councillor John Finlayson, chair of Highland Council’s education committee, said: “The Inverness High School Community PoD is a key Highland Investment Plan project, which will improve the learning environment for pupils, support health and wellbeing, and create opportunities for the wider community.”

Inverness Central ward members, Councillor Michael Cameron, Councillor Kate MacLean, and Councillor Dr Michael Gregson, said: “We encourage pupils, parents, staff and the local community to attend these drop-in events and share their views before planning permission is formally submitted.”

A stakeholder group for the project will be set up, consisting of local councillors, High Life Highland, community councils, as well as parent, pupil and school representatives. 

This will ensure that stakeholders are kept in the loop and can give feedback as the project progresses. 

Next year, the works are expected to start. It is anticipated that the completion date will be in 2030.