Buckie High future needs ‘ambition and investment’ to deliver ‘flagship’ school, demand local councillors
Three councillors have called for ambition and vision in securing funding to replace a crumbling local high school.
On a scale of A-D, Buckie Community High School (BCHS) is currently languishing in the C category for condition - meaning the buildings need investment - and B in suitability.
The minimum requirement for both is B.
A public meeting at the school in June revealed that a large-scale revamp would come with an estimated price tag of £75 million, while a full ground-up rebuild would set Moray Council back £100 million.
No costings were given as to a hybrid model of revamp and new build.
It had initially been hoped that the school would qualify for funding from the Scottish Government's Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) Phase 3 project, which would have seen a much-needed new school built. However, Forres Academy ended up getting the nod from Moray Council for the cash.
A further blow was to be dealt in February when councillors were told that due to the “significant reduction of capital” - to the tune of £32.32 million - available to the local authority it was now the case that the “existing refurbishment options are not affordable”.
However, Buckie’s three councillors - Sonya Warren, John Stuart and Neil McLennan - have called for the same level of ambition seen elsewhere in Scotland to be delivered for BCHS following news that Robertson Construction has completed more than £230 million worth of new net zero and Passivhaus school campuses across Dundee, Angus and Perth.
The councillors say these projects, including new state-of-the-art campuses in Drumgeith, Monifieth and Perth, demonstrate what can be achieved through strong partnership working, sustainable design and government-backed investment in modern learning environments.
Councillor Warren said: “These projects show what’s possible when ambition meets investment.
“Pupils and teachers elsewhere are moving into bright, energy-efficient campuses built for the future, Buckie’s young people deserve the same opportunity. We need to be bold in our vision for the town’s next generation.”
The trio have written jointly to Moray Council Chief Executive Karen Greaves asking that every possible funding route be explored, including the Learning Estate Investment Programme, the Just Transition Fund and other regeneration and climate-related funds, to secure either a new build or a comprehensive modernisation of BCHS.
Councillor Stuart commented: “We want Buckie High to be a flagship for Moray, a modern, energy-efficient campus that brings together learning, community use and sustainability.
“That’s what other areas are delivering, and Buckie should be no different.”
Councillor Neil McLennan added: “A project like this isn’t just about a school building, it’s about investment in skills, local jobs and community confidence.
“We need to work collaboratively across governments, agencies and community partners to make sure Buckie gets the facilities it needs and deserves.”
The councillors say they will continue to work together, to press for progress on BCHS as part of the wider regeneration of Buckie and Moray’s coastal communities.