A constructive discussion took place earlier last week at the Scottish Parliament hosted by the cabinet secretary for education.

The meeting brought together senior councillors and officers and a variety of community representatives, as well as local MSPs, who all had the chance to express their thoughts. 

The council and the Scottish Government agreed that the meeting should focus on delivering the best possible facilities from the proposed Tobermory campus for children and young people.

The council confirmed its support for the welcome statement from the first minister in parliament recently, reiterated by the cabinet secretary concerning potential flexibilities around funding for the campus. 

The council also highlighted options which could be explored, such as greater funding to take account of specific island cost issues and potential development of enhanced campus facilities beyond those conceived in the original funding bid, examples of which may cover improved playing field facilities, a community gym, library and community area provisions. 

These community facilities are in addition to the wider delivery of the project: inclusive and accessible learning environments, enhanced specialist teaching spaces and improved digital infrastructure. 

The council also said that the rights and views of children and young people would continue to run through the development of the campus. 

It added there would be more engagement with children and young people, parents and carers and the school workforce as the project progresses.

The £46 million proposal depends on investment from the Scottish Government’s Learning Estates Investment Programme (LEIP). This gives funding of up to 50% for a like-for-like replacement.

Councillor Kieron Green, policy lead for Education, said: “It was a positive and constructive meeting and we value the feedback received as we continue to develop plans for the new 2-18 campus at Tobermory South. 

“We have engaged with the community and young people throughout the project and will continue to do so as the plans progress.”

Councillor Ross Moreland, policy lead for Finance and Commercial Services, said: “This is a highly ambitious project for both the Council and the Scottish Government through the Learning Estate Investment Programme.

“We welcome the Scottish Government’s ongoing support and the discussions around funding flexibilities, recognising the unique challenges involved in delivering major community infrastructure projects on islands.”

Plans for a new 2-18 campus at the preferred Tobermory South location will continue to progress through the council.