LISTEN: Waiting game for two new schools in Wick

Two new schools in Wick will not be completed on time.

That’s according to Highland Council who are blaming contractors Hub North Scotland (Wick) Ltd for the delays at the new Wick High School, Newton Park Primary and the East Caithness community facilities.

Council bosses were due to get the keys for all three buildings in October, but that now seems unlikely.

Here’s Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson:

The Council says it’s working with the contractor to determine what the earliest possible date is for completion of the whole Wick Joint Campus project.

Cllr Margaret Davidson added: “During the past year we have learnt many lessons from previous projects and this has led to many improvements in project management and better reporting to elected members. However, in some of our bigger, more complex projects, we have seen issues around delivery on time and on budget.

“There will always be snagging in these big complex projects, but it is really important that there is effective communication between services in the Council, where education capital projects are carried out and where there are a number of senior officers and stakeholders who need to be informed in a timely manner when there are issues arising.

“I have also raised concerns about the performance of HubNorth at Inverness Royal Academy (IRA) and Wick Campus and have requested that these concerns are addressed at the earliest opportunity.”

She went on to say: “Having said this, I have just visited the new IRA building and was really impressed with the beautiful school building, especially the atrium and classroom facilities. The Council has delivered a great many excellent schools across the Highlands in recent months and years and we should not lose sight of this fact. The Council wants to build fantastic new facilities which improve the educational experience for our children and teachers and communities and we will continue to strive for the very best.”

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