The Highland Council today (Thursday 24th June 2010) included funding for a replacement Wick High School in its new five-year building programme.
The estimated cost of the new school is £34.3 million - £18.4 million of which will be funded by the Scottish Government.
The inclusion of Wick High School in the programme was welcomed by the Caithness Councillors.
"This is great news for Wick" said Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee. "The investment is massive and not only will we have a new school but a new swimming pool, community library and performance area. I am also particularly pleased that this major construction project will bring much need work to the county"
It is proposed that the Education Culture and Sport Committee be asked in the autumn to agree a six-week consultation on the location of the proposed new school with a report back on the outcome in January, next year.
The public has its first chance to view the options at Wick Assembly Rooms on Monday (28 June) between 10.00 am - 5.00 pm. This will be followed by a public meeting at the Assembly Rooms, starting at 7.00 pm.
The locations being considered are the rear of the existing school and a site at Bignold Park.
Councillor Katrina MacNab, Wick, also welcomed the Council's commitment to replacing Wick High School. She said: "We will embark on a detailed consultation exercise and consider everyone's views before a decision is taken on the preferred location for this community school.
"The whole east side of the county needs to work together to appraise the options, plan a way forward and work with the Council and the Scottish Government to ensure we get the best for our community."
She urged the public to examine the plans at the Assembly Rooms and make their view known at the public meeting.
Also included in the five-year capital programme is the provision of new Council office accommodation at Wick at an estimated cost of £7.5 million.