Opening of £61m Nairn Academy campus delayed

Nairn's new £61m academy campus is to open to pupils after the October holidays rather than in August as planned.

Highland Council said its contractor had warned of a short delay in the final building work, with completion of the school and other facilities expected in September.

The new three-storey Nairn Academy will have capacity for 800 pupils.

It will also have a synthetic grass pitch, multi-use games area, a 328ft (100m) running track, games hall, gymnasium and fitness suite.

Construction work started in February last year after the plans were approved in June 2024.

The current 50-year-old buildings, which were found to contain asbestos and potentially dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), are being demolished.

Highland Council's education committee chairman John Finlayson said: "The build is a hugely exciting project for Nairn, and for Highland, and we are all eager to see the new facilities open and ready for use.

"Since construction began last year the development has progressed well, but it is important pupils' learning is not disrupted by the final work, and the subsequent move from the existing school.

"Lessons learned from recently completed projects suggest that a longer transition period is required for schools, and particularly secondary schools."

Meanwhile, Highland Council has submitted plans for the demolition of Dingwall Primary and construction of a new campus in the town.

The site would combine the primary school, Dingwall Nursery and St Clement's school and nursery.