£71m school campus project to face 'major delays'

Peterhead Community Campus will replace the town's academy and three other schools

A new school campus in Peterhead is facing major delays after the preferred contractor pulled out.

Aberdeenshire Council said it is still committed to the £71m project but does not expect it to be finished until at least early 2028.

The authority had been hoping to open the campus, which will replace the town's academy, two primaries and a special education school, in 2026.

Robertson Construction said it is withdrawing following a lengthy review of the expected outcomes of the project.

The council added the new school was already experiencing delays due to issues in the supply chain and market volatility.

It will now work with the construction sector on the best way to proceed, likely costs and timescales.

Peterhead Academy Parents Council said parents are "losing confidence" that their children will ever get the chance to learn in modern facilities.

David Wilson, chairman of the group said: "Parents, pupils and staff are having to make do with an ageing building. The children of Peterhead deserve access to safe and suitable facilities.

"Unfortunately the plans the council have are not turning into action. Sadly it is something that remains in the far future rather than something we will see soon."