Frustrated parents have called for an investigation after it emerged that a new £48.5million school building project in the Highlands has been hit by yet another delay.
The local authority announced yesterday that the Wick Campus scheme – originally due to be completed in 2014 – was now unlikely to be open by October as planned.
The council said it was working with its contractor to determine the “earliest possible date for completion” of the development, which includes a new Wick High School, Newton Park Primary School, and community facilities.
It represents the latest in a series of setbacks to the long-awaited scheme.
Professor Iain Baikie, who heads up Wick High School’s parent body, said there should be a public inquiry into the handling of the project last night.
“This isn’t the first delay – it has been delayed for three years already. We’re very disappointed, it is already too late,” he said.
“I think a public inquiry would help with respect of this school. It needs some oversight.”
Prof Baikie also accused senior council officials of misleading the Wick schools stakeholder group, with high-ranking officers apparently having insisted in May that the scheme would be completed on schedule.
He added that he would be contacting the group to ascertain if “rumours of problems with foundations and beams are true”.
The school was originally due to open in 2014 but the addition of a primary school to the campus meant that the date was pushed back to 2015.
It was subsequently postponed to April 2016, and then October this year.
The project is being managed by the Hub North Scotland public-private partnership group, and is backed by £17million of funding from the Scottish Government.
A council spokeswoman said yesterday: “Regrettably it seems unlikely that the campus will be ready to open in October, as envisaged.
“Highland Council intends the best facilities possible for children and staff, and will not accept these buildings until work is completed.
“The council is working with the contractor to determine what the earliest possible date is for completion of the whole Wick Joint Campus project, and will make further announcements as soon as possible.”
Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “We’re still investigating it. It isn’t great news but at least it isn’t the day before pupils have to go there.
“Our school buildings have to be safe and ready for our children.”
