Community Engagement Sessions Planned on Thurso School Options

Councillors have welcomed the next phase of the Highland Investment Programme (HIP), which will move to public feedback sessions next month. After the decision to move Option 3 (status quo) earlier in the process, 4 options remain under consideration as part of the £100m transformation project in Thurso.

The planned public in October will seek representations from the community, stakeholders and elected members. These can then be taken on board before deciding on a preferred option. Officers have outlined (that as part of the session), display boards for the event will include the decision criteria that will be used to evaluate and compare the different options.

Provost Struan Mackie, Councillor for Thurso and Northwest Caithness said that he hoped the next phase would see a significant amount of feedback on each option. "The HIP programme represents a significant opportunity to transform the educational estate in Thurso, along with additional opportunities for wider service delivery. "Councillors know that members of the public are keen to engage on the options and this formal session, fully supported by Highland Council and the HIP team will help us take the next step forward. The options under consideration are below: 1. 3-18 Campus (One Primary School): Thurso High, a combined primary school, Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) provision and Additional Support Needs (ASN) bases all located on one campus. 2. 3-18 Campus (Two Primary Schools): As above but with primary school provision split between the 3-18 campus and one other primary school located elsewhere and with revised catchment areas. 4. Separate Campuses (One Primary School): As above but one combined primary school on a separate site from the High School. 5. Separate Campuses (Two Primary Schools): As above but two separate primary schools with revised catchment areas.