Council chiefs have ordered a review after “concerns” emerged about the construction of multimillion pound new schools in the Highlands.
Local authority leader Margaret Davidson called for the probe following delays to the new £48.5million Wick Campus and the £34million Inverness Royal Academy.
She also criticised the performance of Aberdeen-based public private partnership group Hub North Scotland, which managed both contracts.
Furious parents demanded an inquiry this week after it was announced that the new Wick High School would not be open to pupils in October as planned.
It was the latest in a series of delays to the scheme, which was initially earmarked for completion in 2014, and it emerged yesterday that the new community swimming pool at the site is not fully visible to its spectators area.
In a new report to councillors, officials warned that “matters have been escalated with the contractor in relation to certain aspects of the construction” and that there was “significant concern for when the council could take occupation and successfully move in”.
The new Inverness Royal Academy opened on time for the new school year this week, but there was also “significant slippage in the handover date” over the summer.
Mrs Davidson praised the standard of the new school in the Highland capital, but added: “During the past year we have learnt many lessons from previous projects and this has led to many improvements in project management and better reporting to elected members.
“However, in some of our bigger, more complex projects, we have seen issues around delivery on time and on budget.
“I have raised concerns about the performance of Hub North at Inverness Royal Academy and Wick Campus and have requested that these concerns are addressed at the earliest opportunity.”
Angus Macfarlane, chief executive of Hub North Scotland, said: “Projects of this nature can be complex and as such challenges can arise during construction.
“As Highland Council’s development partner, hub North Scotland will continue to work closely with the main contractor to minimise the impact of this delay on the final completion and handover date for the building.
“While any delay is regrettable, the key factor is ensuring that the project is delivered in line with the high standards set by hub North Scotland and our partner organisations. We are committed to delivering first class facilities which will benefit generations to come.”
