Elgin High School extension funding confirmed by Scottish Government
THE Scottish Government have confirmed funding for the extension of Elgin High School.
Moray Council previously approved the extension to meet demand that recent and future housing developments around Elgin has created.
It is anticipated that the school will need to cater for an additional 250 to 320 students which will take its capacity up to 1150.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2025 following detailed design and planning and will be open by August 2026.
The council will be required to fund the entire capital investment which is currently estimated to be just under £15 million.
However, the Scottish Government will provide revenue funding over a 25-year period to meet facilities management and life cycle costs.
Council Leader, Kathleen Robertson (Conservative, Forres), said: “The Scottish Government’s commitment to the revenue funding of the Elgin High School extension is very welcome and I look forward to seeing the project progress with the full engagement of pupils, families, staff and the wider community.”
Councillor Graham Leadbitter (SNP, Elgin City South) added: "It was always known when the new High School was built that there would be a need to extend the school further down the line, as Elgin continues to grow in population and the school was designed with future extension in mind.
"That expanded need is rapidly approaching and the confirmation of funding enables the council to progress the planned extension with confidence. I look forward to seeing the council engaging with the school community, students, parents, staff and the neighbouring areas on the plans."
The council asked for Elgin High School to be transferred into the second phase of the Learning Estate Investment Programme as a replacement for the Findrassie Primary School project.
That decision was taken after the final design and construction start date of Findrassie was deferred by up to five years in January.
