New school scheme faces £11m funding shortfall

Costs to replace Dumfries High School have risen since the original budget was set

Plans for a new secondary school in Dumfries are facing a funding shortfall of £11m.

A project to replace the current Dumfries High received Scottish government support more than three years ago.

However, rising costs mean it will need £56m to complete the project while the original budget allocation was just £45m.

The education committee of Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) is being recommended to request a commitment of extra capital from its finance committee next month.

The Dumfries High plans are part of the second phase of a wider "learning town" project.

It has already seen one new school built, a learning hub constructed and another secondary completely overhauled.

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Scottish government support was secured for the Dumfries High replacement in December 2020 but overall construction costs have risen sharply since then.

It will now cost about 25% more than the original budget.

A report to councillors said a range of amendments had been made to try to keep the price down but it had still risen significantly.

It stressed that was in line with increases being seen in other school construction projects across the country.

Councillors are now being asked to agree to take details of the funding shortfall to their finance committee on 8 February.

It will be asked to provide the extra capital allocation needed to allow work to get started on the school later this year.