The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Michael Russell MSP will officially open Acharacle Primary School on Friday (2 March 2012) during a visit to Lochaber which also includes a guided tour around Ardnamurchan High School,now in its 10th year.
Arriving at Acharacle on Friday afternoon he will be joined by Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Michael Foxley and the Education, Culture and Sport Chairman, Councillor Bill Fernie to celebrate the success of the school which opened its doors to pupils in May 2009.
The pioneering eco-friendly timber school is proud of its title as "Scotland's first wholly sustainable school". Built at a cost of £6.5 million, the school incorporates many special features such as high insulation levels, lots of natural light and minimal mechanical and electrical engineering to ensure a very low energy use.
Children are taught in four classes - two in English and two in Gaelic. Facilities include five classrooms, one of which is available for community use, a Gaelic and Bi-lingual nursery, a multi-purpose hall, a dining area, music practice rooms, changing rooms and an entrance foyer that can be used as an extension of the school facilities and small community gatherings.
Currently there are 47 pupils in P1-7 and 15 in the Gaelic and Bi-lingual nursery. Since it opened the school has provided a range of after school and lunchtime activities, a Gaelic homework club a healthy tuck shop and a school choir.
Head Teacher Lyndsay Bradley said: "We are all busy rehearsing music and songs to entertain the guests during the official opening and the pupils are looking forward to showing people around their school. We are very fortunate to have such a committed and skilled team of staff, parents and volunteers who support and challenge our children to achieve and succeed and it is fantastic that they now have the space and resources they need to do this effectively."
Councillor Foxley said: "The children are clearly flourishing in their new surroundings and enjoying the benefit of high quality teaching and support staff. It was a long campaign to have the old school rebuilt - and with great facilities for the community. I am delighted The Highland Council invested so heavily at Acharacle and combined with Ardnamurchan High School we have educational facilities to match any in Scotland."
Councillor Bill Fernie said: "Over the past few years the current administration has made education one of its main priorities. We have tried our utmost to ensure that new schools were high on our agenda. Tackling the problems in imaginative ways and looking ahead to the next 50 years has meant that where possible we have looked at educational benefit and evironmental changes as can be seen in the new school at Acharacle."
