Final phase of works at Sgoil an Tairbeirt on Harris successfully completed

On August 6^th 2012, the second and final phase of works at Sgoil an Tairbeirt on Harris were successfully completed and handed over by the main contractor FMP to the facilities management contractor FES FM Ltd, allowing the remainder of the facility to open at the start of the new academic year on 16^th August 2012.

Following the completion of Phase 1 in December 2012, the main contractor FMP has consequently completed the demolition of the 1970’s school buildings as well as the former ‘Old Hostel’ building which served as Council Offices. In their place, a new school and community library has been constructed as well as dedicated car parking, bus turning area and environmental gardens.

Completion of this phase of the works also allows the final transition of the adjacent nursery and primary schools into the new building creating an all-through campus serving the Isle of Harris. The now redundant former primary school building, which is Grade B listed, will shortly be converted into new office accommodation for the Comhairle and the Third Sector. These works are currently being tendered within the local supply chain with works expected to start on site in late August with completion in December 2012.

The completion of the second phase of the Sir E Scott School also marks the finishing line of the £125m Western Isles Schools Project (WISP) with all new buildings now operational. A phased programme of works has seen the successful delivery of six schools, on time and on budget, since works commenced in July 2010.

Cllr Norman A Macdonald, Convener of CnES and Chair of Sgoiltean Ùra stated “Sir E Scott School has proven to be the most challenging of all the new schools in terms of its construction, phasing, disruption management and a variety of other constraints which affected site operations on a day to day basis. The entire team are to be congratulated on successfully overcoming all of these hurdles to deliver this project”

Cllr Angus Campbell, Leader of the Comhairle noted “The all-through campus provides teaching facilities from nursery age children right through to 6th year secondary pupils and coupled with the integration of the Harris Sports Centre, Rally Park football pitch and the community library, the new school provides a comprehensive range of amenities under one roof.”

Catriona Stewart, Chair of Education & Children’s Services stated “We are delighted with the quality facilities which all parties have worked together seamlessly to provide. Everyone involved in the successful delivery of the Western Isles Schools Project can be extremely proud of what they have collectively achieved.”

Martin Joyce, Head of Operations, Sgoiltean Ùra

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