Moray Council is hoping to push forward major plans for a new high school in Elgin despite building work remaining on hold.
Construction on the £28million complex was supposed to start in April, but the plans have become entangled in a Scottish Government funding dispute.
A change in European accounting legislation – known as ESA10 – has forced the project into limbo following changes to rules that govern non-profit distributing.
Today, elected members will be asked to endorse plans which could accelerate construction once the financial wrangle is resolved.
Council officers are recommending that the local authority pledge more than £530,000 towards the cost of building the school.
Elgin City South councillor John Divers led the town’s crusade for a replacement high school, and believes the move could mitigate against further delays once building is finally able to get under way.
“The council is in a position where the Scottish Government has advised us to pay this money up front so that, when we do get the go-ahead to start construction, things are ready to go,” he said.
“It should slightly alleviate the length of the delay in getting the school up and running.
“We have contractors waiting to start work, and this will give them some assurances.”
In September, Moray Council leader Stewart Cree and Elgin High School’s parent council petitioned deputy First Minister, John Swinney, for guidance on when works could begin.
Though Mr Swinney said he would “try to resolve issues” blighting the scheme, he could not advise on when the project might get off the ground.
“It’s very frustrating that we are still in this limbo, and we can’t do anything about it,” added Mr Divers.
“We are doing as much as we can in the meantime though to make sure things tick along.”
In another effort to prepare for when construction can begin, the council began work on an entrance to the replacement building in June.
A report drawn up by council officers urges members to pledge £533,348 at a meeting today to make sure that construction work can begin as soon as the government sanction is lifted.
The report says: “This will allow the Elgin High School project to be progressed as far as possible, putting the council in the
best possible position to be selected to move to financial close once
ESA10 is resolved.”