Could new build house both Dingwall Primary and St Clement’s on same site?
AN opportunity to end the decades-long wait for a new-build special school in Dingwall could arrive with a £50m investment.
Councillors are being asked to decide whether to opt for new premises co-located with a new Dingwall Primary - buildings also regarded as past their sell-by date - or to opt for a standalone St Clement’s at an edge-of-town site already purchased on Docharty Brae.
It is proposed that informal consultations start immediately with design concluded by December 2026, construction starting in 2027 and the new schools open by 2029.
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Ring-fenced cash will be used for loans to fund the £2billion Highland Investment Plan (HIP) – including a proposed £50 million investment in Dingwall.
The preferred option is to co-locate St Clement’s and Dingwall Primary within the same grounds on a field above the existing primary.
They would still be separate institutions.
If St Clement’s is built on the Docharty Brae site, the Dingwall Primary new build could be put on hold as currently unaffordable.
The council acknowledged: “Despite the reassurance provided over some of the concerns and issues raised, not all parents are persuaded as to the potential benefits of co location”.
Many St Clement’s parents feel very strongly that the school must retain its independence from mainstream education.
To do that it would “retain its own head teacher”, not share educational resources with the new building providing a safe and calm environment and access to dedicated facilities.
The council said: “The final decision will be based on delivering the greatest educational benefits for both schools, and the maximum economic benefit for the wider community”.
However the “expanded mainstream provision would be available in the new Dingwall Primary School building” will set some St Clement’s parents’ teeth on edge.
The schools are central to the Point of Delivery or POD concept that is being pioneered in Dingwall to efficiently amalgamate service delivery sites in one place.
There are three potential PODs:
• Community: Shared or aligned service functions, training facilities, satellite services, and opportunities for community service delivery and operational efficiencies to maximise the utilisation of assets within Dingwall.
• Office: Shared office space, training facilities, and opportunities for aligned service delivery and operational efficiencies to maximise the utilisation of assets within Dingwall.
• Depot: Multi-agency and partner storage, maintenance, and washdown facilities, potentially aligned with office or business facilities.
The report written by eight high-ranking officials including the three assistant chief executives Malcolm MacLeod, Allan Gunn, and Kate Lackie said options are still being actively considered for inclusion.
They said: “A series of design workshops will be held with stakeholder groups in the coming weeks to establish a clear vision for the new school building.
“This will ensure that it provides first-rate facilities to meet the needs of every child that will attend St Clement’s in the future and maximise the benefits to be realised from this once in a generation opportunity”.
Avril Robertson, the chairwoman of the St Clement’s parent council said: “It has been a very long journey for a new build St Clement’s School to be secured. During this period a great deal of time and energy has been invested.
“We are so grateful for the support we have received and are now in a position where a site has been purchased and a consultation has taken place.
“Amongst a number of parents there is very strong feeling that the already purchased site at Docharty Brae can provide our children with an environment that is conducive to their ongoing development, growth and learning.
“This area allows for a vast range of sensory and natural benefits that may not be readily available in an alternative setting.
“The pupils have waited many years for a stand alone school with its own identity, management structure and adequate facilities.
“As parents, we just want what we feel is the best and right fit for our children and ultimately one that will allow them to thrive and reach their full potential”.
Local MSP Kate Forbes said she was encouraged to hear plans are progressing for the proposed new St Clement’s school and new primary.
She said: “This proposal will need careful consideration to ensure the needs of pupils at both St Clement’s and the primary school are met.”
