Millions to be invested in oldest high school building in Inverness

Highland Council says it will invest millions of pounds in the oldest secondary school building in Inverness.

The original part of Inverness High School dates from the late 1930s and extensions were added in following decades, including the 1970s.

The local authority renovated the main building, including classrooms, about eight years ago at a cost of £14.7m.

Under the new proposals, a sports block with a fitness suite and a community room, a sports pitch and an additional support needs (ASN) base are to be built.

Other community facilities also form part of the plans.

Parents said problems with the school included changing facilities not being fit-for-purpose, with the boys' showers being unusable, and water damage to the gym hall's ceiling.

The main school building was opened in 1937 and features art deco architecture, a style that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s and uses sleek lines and sharp angles.

Local councillor Alex Graham, whose three children are former pupils, has welcomed the planned investment and said he expected the revamp could cost more than £20m.

"It will make quite a difference in terms of the sports usage and ASN provision," said the Inverness West Scottish Liberal Democrat councillor.

The project will be funded through the local authority's Highland Investment Plan.

Education chairman John Finlayson said the planned improvements would benefit pupils and the wider community.

The Highland Independent councillor said: "It is great to reach this important milestone and I look forward to seeing work commence on site next year."

Drop-in events are to be held in October and November to gather community feedback prior to planning permission being submitted.

Ogilvie Construction has been identified as the preferred main contractor, and work could start in 2027 and be completed in 2030.