Sutherland councillor seeks answers on future use of schoolhouses

Appeals for clarification from Highland Council on the future use of unoccupied schoolhouses in central Sutherland have so far fallen on deaf ears, a Sutherland councillor has said.

The newly elected councillor for north, west and central Sutherland, Michael Baird believes that vacant schoolhouses in the ward could be put back to use by being reallocated for social housing or offered to people seeking refuge from the war in Ukraine.

Mr Baird said: “I was at the Ardgay and District community council meeting and the point was raised that while they may have storage items in it at the moment, the Gledfield schoolhouse could instead be used to provide accommodation for refugees from Ukraine.

“Whilst it was mentioned that these school properties could be used to house refugees, they could also be used for regular accommodation. We have people looking for social housing, and these properties shouldn’t be sitting empty.

“It has since come to my attention that the schoolhouses at Rosehall and Bonar Bridge are in the same situation.

“It begs the question, how many other buildings are in the same state?”

Council figures sent to Mr Baird confirmed that as of now there are six void properties undergoing maintenance in preparation of new tenants. Five of these properties have been allocated and one is undergoing more extensive works.

The statement also confirmed that there are 386 council houses in the ward and the number of current void properties is consistent with normal levels.

Highland Council has been asked for further comment on the use of schoolhouses.

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