Moray Council issues statement after images of Buckie Community High School emerge amid concern over condition of building
Moray Council has issued a statement after pictures taken by a student and shared by a parent on social media appeared to show the deteriorating state of a high school.
The future of Buckie High School was discussed by the council last week amid concerns regarding the building’s condition.
Currently, on a scale from A to D, Buckie High is rated as C in condition and B in suitability. The minimum requirement is B for both.
Urgently needed refurbishment work has already been delayed on multiple occasions.
And councillors decided last week to delay any decision on any future investment pending clarity on the future of the Elgin High School Expansion project.
It was also decided that work on the school would be limited purely to regular maintenance.
After the meeting, pictures taken by a student at the school were shared by a concerned parent on social media which appeared to show exposed wiring, damp patches on ceilings and stained carpets.
The council has since moved to ease the concerns of parents after being made aware of some of the images circulating online.
Karen Greaves, Moray Council Chief Executive, said: “We’re aware of concerns being shared online about the condition of Buckie High School and would like to reassure pupils, parents, carers, and staff that the school is safe and continues to provide a positive learning environment.
“We acknowledge that Buckie High is currently rated as “Condition C” – which means the building needs investment.
“However, we’re keen to stress our assurance that the issues identified do not pose any health or safety risks for pupils or staff using the building day to day.
“These are all known issues that are either already being managed or will be addressed through planned future improvements.”
Council leader Kathleen Robertson, added: “We would like to clarify that some of the images and reports being shared relate to damage caused by storms and adverse weather, which occurred in early 2024.
“These specific issues were addressed at the time and have since been resolved.
“While some current concerns have already been identified by both the council and the school, our maintenance teams are addressing them where appropriate.
“Any urgent matters are responded to as a priority. These challenges are being taken seriously and form part of the long-term improvement planning.”
The local authority says any specific concerns regarding the school can be sent directly to learningestate@moray.gov.uk.
It added that the community will be kept up-to-date and involved as work towards a long-term solution takes place.
A public meeting is being arranged for the evening of June 17 and more details on this will be available soon, according to the council.
