The Western Isles Council and MSP met the education secretary to discuss a long-term solution to “significant problems” with the fabric of Castlebay School.
A replacement for the school building had been due to be incorporated into the Barra and Vatersay Community Campus Project, along with new healthcare and social care housing facilities.
However, progress on the community hub was paused earlier this year after it was announced that there were issues in securing the necessary capital funding for the healthcare aspect of the build.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s leader councillor Paul Steele and chief executive Malcolm Burr met Jenny Gilruth MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, and Alasdair Allan MSP on December 20 to discuss the future of the project to deliver improved facilities to Barra and Vatersay.
The comhairle said it is is committed to delivering the education, leisure and social care aspects of the project, but requires the continued support of Scottish Government to progress this further.
It remains “very disappointed” that Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, announced the Scottish Government’s decision to not support the delivery of a new hospital for Barra, a key part of the original Barra and Vatersay Campus Project.
Paul Steele, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “The delivery of improved education, leisure and social care facilities to Barra and Vatersay remains the Comhairle’s priority capital project. The people of Barra deserve facilities that give them equal access to essential services.
“Scottish Government’s funding delays and unmet commitments have already seen the removal of the hospital aspect of the project for the immediate period. It was welcome to hear the Cabinet Secretary commit to the Community Campus project at yesterday’s meeting. We will continue to engage with Government to ensure that momentum is maintained and the project is delivered. This is essential for the people of Barra and Vatersay.”
In the meeting, clarification was sought over the options presently at the comhairle’s disposal to address the issues with Castlebay School building, as well as confirming the continued education department’s budget commitments to the school’s replacement in the form of LEAP funding, percentage contribution to additional costs incurred due to the island location, and the Gaelic Capital Fund.
Afterwards, Alasdair Allan MSP said: “I am grateful to the Cabinet Secretary and her officials for meeting with us, and for their ongoing work to deliver the clarity required by the comhairle as key decisions are taken on the next steps and timescales for the much-needed delivery of new school, leisure and social care housing facilities for Barra and Vatersay.
“It is patently clear that the situation with Castlebay High School, in particular, cannot be sustained for much longer – it is vital that pupils, teachers and support staff are working in a comfortable and appropriate environment. I look forward to continued engagement with colleagues as matters progress in the weeks ahead.”