Council addresses issues with new Inverness Royal Academy

17th September 2016

The Highland Council has informed staff, parents and pupils of ongoing issues with the new Inverness Royal Academy building and the actions being taken to address them.

The Council is working with, Hub North Scotland Limited, Morrison Construction and its sub-contractors, to resolve issues which include: problems with the school's gas installations and the impact this is having on some classes; intermittent power and ICT issues; and management of pupil flow during lunch breaks.

At the Council's request, Gas Safe and Health & Safety Executive representatives were asked to attend the school on Tuesday 13 September to provide an independent inspection and assurance of the gas installations at the site. This precautionary step was taken by the Council with the safety of building users being the main concern. The outcome of the visit was that in Home Economics, Science, Craft, Design and Technology, the gas supply was shut off to allow further inspections of the pipework and until remedial works are concluded. The heating and hot water system within the school is unaffected.

The Council is awaiting a detailed action plan from the contractor, setting out a programme of works and timescales for resolving the issues identified with the gas installation to the affected rooms. Meantime, the contractor is implementing a contingency plan to minimise the impact on the parts of the building that are reliant upon gas for delivery of the curriculum. A range of actions are being implemented which include the temporary installation of electric ovens and hobs, the use of portable Bunsen burners, and workarounds within the Craft, Design and Technology classroom. It is expected these actions will be in place by Monday 26 September.

There have, and will continue to be short-term implications within those classrooms, until these contingency plans are fully in place. Staff within the affected departments are looking at ways to manage delivery of the curriculum to minimise any implications for learning and teaching.

Within the building, there have also been intermittent issues with power outages, and some aspects of the ICT installations within the school are still to be completed, or there are issues of reliability. These matters have been escalated with the relevant contractors, and steps are being taken to address any issues identified.

There have also been some challenges relating to managing lunch periods, and the flow of pupils through the dining space and circulation space, where congestion has been an issue. A number of changes to how and where lunches are served and eaten are being trialled, to assist with managing the flow of pupils through the building at that time of the day.

While it is very unfortunate that these issues have arisen, the Council acknowledges the commitment and hard work of teaching and support staff in delivering the curriculum in spite of the challenges they face. The health and safety of staff and pupils continues to be of the utmost priority to the Council, and arrangements are in place to address the issues identified.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Yesterday : Local Authority

 
Highland's Growth Ambitions: Billions in Investment Promised, But Can the Numbers Really Add Up?

Highland Council has set out an ambitious vision for the economic future of the Highlands, with the possibility of attracting between £10 billion and £16 billion of public and private investment over the next 25 years.   On paper, it is an impressive prospect.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Caithness Committee approves six Community Regeneration Fund applications - £237,155

The Caithness Area Committee which met (Monday 2 November 2026) has approved six applications submitted to the Community Regeneration Fund (CRF).   This approval securing significant investment to support local projects that will benefit communities across the north.  

31/10/2026 : 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.  

31/10/2026 : 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.  

30/10/2026 : 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.  

30/10/2026 : 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.