Construction work on new £61m Nairn Academy begins

An artist's impression of what the new Nairn Academy will look like

Construction work has started on a new £61m secondary school for Nairn.

The current 50-year-old buildings, which were found to contain asbestos and potentially dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), are being demolished.

The new three-storey Nairn Academy will have capacity for 800 pupils, and will also include sports facilities.

Plans for the new school were approved in June last year.

At the peak of construction, 170 people are expected to be employed at the site.

Highland Council said it would be one of the first low energy schools in the region.

The school, which is due to open in August 2026, will include a synthetic grass pitch, multi-use games area and a 100m running track.

A games hall, gymnasium and fitness suite will also be created.

The project is part of a wider £2bn plan by Highland Council over the next 20 years to build new schools and upgrade roads.

The new school building is beginning to take shape