Scottish government funds for new Alness Academy
- Published
Highland Council has concerns about the condition of Alness Academy
The Scottish government has agreed to help fund the building of a new secondary school in Easter Ross.
Replacing Alness Academy in Alness has been a "major priority" of Highland Council because of the deteriorating state of the building.
The local authority has already set aside money for a new school and will now finalise details with the government on its funding.
Alness Academy has a roll of 427 pupils.
The government support will come from £230m it has allocated to replacing or upgrading 19 schools across Scotland.
Work could start on the new Alness Academy in 2019-20.
Highland Council's education chairman Drew Millar said: "Alness Academy has been a major priority for Highland Council.
"I have been concerned at the condition of the building, and with this announcement we can proceed as quickly as possible to give the community a school they will be proud to attend and deserve.
"It is good news for Highland Council, and it is great news for children and families in Alness."