The future of Buckie Community High School (BCHS) remains uncertain as delays in decision-making continue to frustrate parents and the local community. Throughout 2025, the school faced significant challenges, including the loss of funding from the Scottish Government for a new building and indications from Moray Council that they lack the resources to develop any substantial plans for the school.
A public meeting in June 2025 provided little reassurance, as council officers announced that options for a complete new build, a hybrid rebuild, or a significant refurbishment were deemed “unaffordable.” With the new year underway, local councillors Sonya Warren and Neil McLennan expressed their concerns and hopes for BCHS in an interview with Grampian Online.
Community Frustration Over Uncertainty
Warren highlighted that the BCHS rebuild and refurbishment has been a pressing local issue for the past two years. She remarked, “For families, staff and the wider community, the uncertainty has been incredibly frustrating.” The existing building is widely recognized as inadequate, and residents have been waiting for concrete information about future plans.
In her vision for 2026, Warren called for a definitive and affordable plan to be established, stating, “No more moving goalposts.” She emphasized the need for clarity regarding whether the school will undergo a new build or a deep refurbishment, alongside a realistic timeline for completion.
Warren outlined several key expectations:
– A firm decision in 2026 that resolves years of indecision.
– A plan that results in a modern and accessible learning facility, capable of supporting future educational needs.
– Continuous communication with staff, parents, pupils, and the community throughout the project.
– A phased approach that minimizes disruption to students’ education.
Despite the ongoing challenges, students at BCHS have achieved impressive results, ranking among the top in Moray. Warren attributed this success to the dedication of the staff and the resilience of the students. “A modern school would give our young people the facilities they deserve and send a strong message about the future of Buckie,” she said.
Calls for Accountability and Action
Councillor McLennan emphasized the importance of a new BCHS as a top priority. Reflecting on the previous year, he expressed disappointment over the failure to advance a balanced budget proposal that would have initiated construction. “The top Christmas present would have been a new Buckie Community High School,” he stated, adding that political disagreements hindered progress.
McLennan criticized both the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Conservative party for their inability to secure funding or propose innovative solutions for the school’s future. He lamented that while other regions have benefited from new, state-of-the-art schools, Buckie has been neglected.
“It is shameful and a scandalous state of affairs,” McLennan declared. He also raised concerns about whether the rights of Buckie children, now legally recognized, are being adequately upheld. He noted that the response he received from the council was generated by artificial intelligence, calling the situation unacceptable.
As Buckie looks ahead to 2026, both Warren and McLennan have pledged to continue advocating for the community’s needs, emphasizing that the time for action has come. The residents of Buckie are hopeful that the new year will bring resolutions and clarity regarding the future of their community high school.
