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Delight at prospect of new classrooms for Farr High School after existing buildings condemned


By Philip Murray

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FED-up parents at a Sutherland high school may not have to wait much longer for a solution to sub-standard classroom accommodation – after plans for new modular buildings at the site were submitted.

Concerned parents at the music hut last year with some of the damaged musical equipment. From left, Stephanie Rice, Gary Munro, Joanna Mackenzie, Carly Simpson and Andy Maclean. Picture: Jim Johnston
Concerned parents at the music hut last year with some of the damaged musical equipment. From left, Stephanie Rice, Gary Munro, Joanna Mackenzie, Carly Simpson and Andy Maclean. Picture: Jim Johnston

Two of Farr High School's existing modular classroom buildings have been condemned, including the hut which used to house its music department, which has been off limits since September due to mould on the walls as well as problems with damp affecting the floor, and instruments and equipment.

The loss of access to the building, and use of less suitable sites elsewhere in the school grounds, sparked concerns – and even prompted discussion at meetings of Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra Community Council.

But those frustrations may finally be nearing their end, after Highland Council submitted plans for two replacement modular buildings within the school grounds.

Jim Johnston, who as well as being a member of the community council is also the school's former headteacher, was among those to voice the earlier concerns.

And he is delighted that action is finally being taken.

He said: "Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra Community Council was pleased to hear at their May meeting last week that an application had been lodged for the erection of a double demountable unit at Farr High School to replace the one which was found defective some considerable time ago.

"We hope that building work will soon be under way and that the replacement accommodation will be fully fit for purpose."

Under the new plans, two existing modular units, immediately to the north of the main school building, will be demolished, and two replacements will be erected – one immediately to the south of the main building and the other next to another modular building to the east.

Each of the new buildings would cover an area of roughly 162 square metres. One would contain two general classrooms, as well as toilet facilities, foyer, and storage room.

While the other would feature another general classroom, as well as a dedicated music room with access to three dedicated performance rooms. This building would also include a meeting room, as well as toilets, foyer, and storage space.

The schools' current head teacher, Katherine Wood, has praised parents and the council for their support while a solution was sought.

She said: "We are delighted that we will soon have new classrooms at our school and are very grateful to our parents and to Highland Council for their help and support in securing these for us.

"Our children and staff are very much looking forwards to having the space and facilities that we so badly need."


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