WATCH: Wick Campus | Photo sparks safety fears

A photo has emerged appearing to show a stairwell being held up by scaffolding at the delayed Wick Campus, sparking fears for pupil safety.

The Morrison Construction development was meant to open last October but the contractor - who's refusing to speak to MFR News - is still fixing problems.

Councillor Drew Millar is in-charge of Highland Council's schools, and he's calling on the builders to come clean: "We've been let down by hub North Scotland and the contractor. It's their responsibility, completely their responsibility. We are just the client, and we are going to buy the goods off them, when they are fit to be sold, and at the moment they are certainly not fit to be sold."

The councillor added: "There've been problems and various rumous going about which I really don't want to comment on to add fuel to the fire, but the reports that we've been getting back from our officials within the council is that it's not suitable for it to be opened as a school, so therefore we're not accepting it.

"We're trying to learn from our mistakes in the past, by accepting buildings too early because there was pressure on them. There is no pressure on pupils to go into Wick Campus at the moment, so therefore we're holding our line quite strongly that we will not accept this building until we are satisfied.

"Given the controversy down in the central belt with the schools last year, that's one of the reasons why we're not taking that risk. Our officials have to make sure that that building is completely safe for the children. That is our priority. That's why we will not be accepting this building until we are 100-per-cent sure that that building is safe to go into."

BELOW: It's not the first time that parents have been concerned about structural issues at the over-running building site...

An anonymous source has been telling our newsroom about "windows randomly smashing, leaking roof with wheelie bins catching the water, now this shocking discovery of scaffold holding up the stairs."

BELOW: Morrison Construction has refused to talk to MFR News in an interview...

A spokesperson told our reporter Bryan Rutherford: "Unfortunately, we won't be making anyone available."

The company directed him to a previous statement released to the media. It stated:

'We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the building will be completed as soon as possible.

'We are committed to providing a modern environment for the community to enjoy and a stimulating learning environment for both pupils and staff.'

Highland Councillor Bill Fernie is the local authority's budget leader. On Mondayt he said: "Part of the problem lies in the fact that we are so far north. The contractors say they've had problems with that.

"Currently there are some issues with water and electricity. These problems will have to be sorted out."

Doors won't open to school kids until at least the end of February.

BELOW: Despite claims that geography has slowed progress, Councillor Drew Millar says that excuse is unacceptable...

• Wick Campus