The opening of a new educational campus in Easter Ross has been postponed once more, with the latest target date set for April 22, 2026. This state-of-the-art facility in Tain will cater to students aged three to 18 and is intended to replace several existing schools, including the Tain Royal Academy, which have been deemed unsuitable for modern educational needs.
Building Standards and Delays
The new campus, built by Kier Construction for Highland Council, aims to adhere to advanced Passivhaus standards. This design philosophy focuses on creating ultra-low energy buildings that enhance thermal comfort while significantly reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. Despite these ambitious goals, the project has faced a series of setbacks since its initial projected opening in August 2024.
Originally, delays were attributed to various snagging issues, with a revised opening date of October 2025 proposed last year. In October 2023, a new aim of February 2025 was announced, but the timeline has shifted again following a recent meeting between the Highland Council’s school estates team and education officials.
Communication with Parents
In a letter addressed to parents and guardians, Isobel Sinclair, the area quality improvement manager for Highland Council, outlined the latest schedule. The letter did not specify reasons for the recent delay but confirmed that contractors are currently addressing remaining tasks before the building can be handed over to the council.
“Once the building is handed over, the council will then begin the process of installing the required ICT equipment into the schools,” Sinclair stated. The plan includes allowing groups of students to visit the new facility as part of the transition before the opening.
The letter also noted that the Scottish Government will be asked to approve revised exceptional school closure dates around the new opening, specifically on April 2, April 20, and April 21, 2026.
Transition events will be communicated directly by individual headteachers to ensure a smooth adjustment for students and parents.
While many parents appreciate the updates, some have expressed concerns regarding the timing of the new opening. The proposed date falls shortly after the Easter holidays and coincides with exam periods for some students, which could pose challenges for families.
A stakeholder group meeting is scheduled for the week of February 23, 2026, to further discuss the project’s progress and address community concerns.
Highland Council and Kier Construction have been approached for additional comments regarding the delays, but responses have not yet been received. The ongoing developments in this project underscore the complexities of constructing educational facilities that meet modern standards and the expectations of local communities.
