Green Light For Two New Wick Primary Schools

21st February 2012


The Highland Council has been given the go ahead to proceed with plans to replace the four primary schools in Wick with two new purpose built schools serving the North and South of the town.

Scottish Education Cabinet Secretary, Michael Russell, who called in the Council's proposals, has confirmed he is content for the Council to amalgamate Hillhead and North Primary Schools in a new school building on land available within North Primary School and to join the South and Pulteneytown Academy Primary Schools in a new school to be built on the site of the existing High School playing field site and the site of Pultneytown Academy PS.

The school to the North is estimated to cost £10.5 million and cater for approximately 390 pupils. The new school serving the south of the town would cater for 340 pupils at an estimated cost of £9.225 million. The Council hopes to progress the new primary school plans at the same time as building a new community High School for Wick - on the existing site of the secondary school - at a total estimated cost of more than £50 million.

Hugh Fraser, Director of Education Culture and Sport, The Highland Council, contacted local stakeholders of the good news.

He said: "I am very pleased to advise you that we have been informed that the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has agreed that the projects to replace the current Wick primary schools with two new primaries can proceed. There will be a condition regarding traffic safety but we would expect this to be overtaken in the Traffic Impact Assessment which is part of the next stage in any school replacement project."

Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of the ECS Committee who is a Ward Member for Wick, said: "This is is a very positive outcome and I am very pleased that we are now able to progress these projects and hopefully have them opened by 2015. When completed these projects mean that Wick will have one of the best provisions for educational facilities in the Highlands and they will go a long way to promote regeneration.

"When combined with the new Wick High school and new community facilities such as the swimming pool and library we will have created one of the best learning and recreational environments in Scotland."

Councillor Gail Ross, Wick, said: "This is great news for Wick not just for parents and children in the area but for the wider community as well. We have to make sure now that the builds are kept within budget and delivered on time."

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Local Authority

Caithness at the Sharp End: Broadband, Buses and Public Services Under Pressure

From the loss of a direct bus link to Inverness to uncertainty over rural broadband, a difficult council budget and the future of community organisations, the past week has provided plenty for Caithness residents to think about.  But there have also been celebrations, local achievements and signs of community spirit.  

Today : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Faces a £39.2 Million Budget Gap: Will Council Taxpayers and Services Pay the Price?

Highland Council is facing another difficult financial challenge, with councillors being told that a further £39.2 million in savings must be found over the next three years to balance the authority's finances.   The announcement, made at the full council meeting on 29 October 2026, represents a substantial deterioration in the financial outlook.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Visitor Levy Consultation In-person Events Announced

Residents, businesses, community groups and visitors are encouraged to continue to take part in a series of public engagement events to learn more about the proposed Highland Visitor Levy and how they can contribute to the statutory public consultation.   In addition to the online webinars held earlier in the process, a programme of in-person events will continue throughout November.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

The Highland Council agrees budget engagement programme

Members of the public, community groups, the business sector and young people will be invited to share their views on how The Highland Council balances its budget and plans spend over the next three years.   The Council needs to find £39.2 million of additional savings over the next three years to deliver a balanced financial plan, driven largely by the impact of rising costs and the ongoing impact of wider economic events.  

29/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Hidden Cost of a 1% Capital Budget Cut: Could Scotland's Schools, Roads and Highland Investment Plans Be Affected?

The Chancellor's decision to reduce departmental capital budgets by 1% could have consequences well beyond Westminster.  Scotland faces a reduction in capital funding, while Highland Council is embarking on a £2.1 billion investment programme that includes a proposed £100 million education campus in Thurso.  

28/10/2026 : Local Authority

When Fuel Prices Rise, Who Pays the Bill for Public Services?

Councils, the NHS and other public bodies face a difficult choice when rising diesel and energy costs threaten the contractors they depend on.  School transport in rural Scotland illustrates the problem.  

27/10/2026 : Local Authority

Gaelic Spending Under Scrutiny: Can Highland Council Afford Another Post While Jobs Are Under Pressure?

The council has legal responsibilities to support Gaelic, but with budgets stretched and services facing difficult choices.  Residents are entitled to ask how priorities are decided across the Highlands.  

24/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Libraries, Leisure Centres and Local Culture Face Growing Pressure as Council Charges Rise

Audit Scotland warns that cuts to community services could deepen inequalities, while councils lack the evidence to measure the full consequences.   Scotland’s councils are spending less on culture and leisure services while asking the public to pay more to use them, raising questions about the future of libraries, swimming pools, sports facilities, museums and other important parts of community life.  

23/10/2026 : Local Authority

Trading Standards warns of Council Tax refund scam emails

The Highland Council has received reports from customers who have been sent emails containing links to claim an alleged Council Tax refund.   The emails appear to be from a sender describing themselves as the "Council Revenue Authority" team.  

14/10/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's Offices: Go Digital, Bring in Mobile Offices and Save Money?

The banks have closed branches across the Highlands and customers have adapted.  With Highland Council facing serious financial pressures, is it time to rethink permanent offices and take council services directly to the people who need them? There was a time when going to the bank meant visiting a branch.