Anger over wait for 'Dickensian' Highland special school replacement
Concerns have been raised about St Clement's in Dingwall over the last 20 years.
Frustrated parents have voiced their anger as they feel their children are being "forgotten" over the condition of their school.
Campaigns highlighting the need to replace St Clement's in Dingwall, which supports around 50 pupils with physical and neurological conditions, have been ongoing for 20 years.
A new Highland wide investment plan, pledging two billion pounds for schools and roads over the next 20 years, will be voted on by councillors this Thursday.
However, there are fears it could be up to 10 more years before St Clement's gets a new build.
Parents are now taking matters into their own hands, by fundraising for new specialised play equipment.
With certain sections of the school more than 100 years old, parts of it aren't easily accessible as corridors are too narrow for wheelchairs.
The school, for young people aged between 3-18, also lacks specified departments such as science and home economics.
In 2021, Highland Council approved plans for a £13m St Clement's replacement.
However, they were unable to get the Scottish Government cash needed to fund the project.
Scottish Ministers highlighted how the local authority benefited from previous rounds of funding.
A special school for Dingwall is listed in Highland Council's investment plan, but under a subject heading titled "Phase One Project Locations: Years 1 – 10."
Special school "like something from Oliver Twist"
Avril Robertson's 14-year-old son Rory has autism and a genetic condition.
As Parent Council Chair, Avril has campaigned for nine years and feels the condition of the building which was formerly Dingwall Academy is not suitable.
She said: "The building has been called Dickensian, like something from Oliver Twist.
"It's stone built with narrow corridors that were built back in the day when there probably wasn't many people in wheelchairs.
"It's not purpose built.
"He's never known anything else and he never will because he's 14.
"He's not going to see a new school, but it makes me really angry.
"I just feel Highland Council are failing our kids on a grand scale."
Tracey McBean's 10-year-old daughter Lily, who is autistic and has a learning disability, also attends the school.
She said: "She's happy to go in and the staff are great.
"They try so hard, but they just don't have the resources.
"It makes me really sad because you only get one chance at your education."
Plans for "integrated services"
A fun run and walk will take place next month to help raise money for play equipment.
Tracey outlined why they wanted to do it.
She said: "Just to raise awareness that we need to raise funds for the school.
"We're just unsure of when a new school will appear."
Avril added: "We're raising as much money as we possibly can through fundraising to upgrade the playground which is just a disgrace.
"The equipment's not adaptable, not really accessible and it's really old.
"We want to do something rather than nothing because it is going to be a long time before they get a new school."
A Highland Council spokesperson said: "If approved at Council on 9th May, the Highland Investment Plan will guarantee around £50 million of funding for schools and other facilities in Dingwall, as part of our place-based approach, including work with partner agencies to design integrated services.
"There are various options to be explored with communities affected, including the community of St Clement’s School. Funding for schools in scope for investment will be progressed within the designated first phase.
"The sequence of projects will be determined by council depending on the outcome of consultation. Meetings will take place with stakeholders in due course.
"St Clement’s is one of 22 schools identified for investment in a paper going to Council."