Work is in full swing on the new Nairn Academy, with the school set to open its doors in August 2026.
The new facility will accommodate up to 800 pupils and is a key project under the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP).
Chair of the Education Committee, Councillor John Finlayson, hailed the development as a major milestone for the community and its future generations.
He emphasised the Highland Council’s commitment to enhancing education facilities and described Nairn Academy as a pilot project that will stand out as one of the first low-energy ‘Passivhaus’ schools in the Highlands.
Addressing the challenges of upgrading the school estate, he underlined the Council’s dedication to working with partners to create better learning environments across the region.
Housing and Property Committee Chair, Councillor Glynis Campbell Sinclair, praised the extensive work already undertaken and the visible progress on site.
She highlighted the significance of seeing the steel framework take shape, calling it an exciting phase for the entire community.
She also extended best wishes to the construction team and looked forward to regular updates as the build progresses.
Once completed, the new school will be Balfour Beatty’s second Passivhaus-certified school in Scotland, marking a significant step towards sustainable education buildings.
Passivhaus certification is a globally recognised standard for low-energy buildings, ensuring high efficiency and sustainability.
Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, expressed delight at securing the contract for the project.
He highlighted the company’s track record in delivering cutting-edge, sustainable educational facilities and reiterated their commitment to working collaboratively with the Highland Council.
MacAulay described the future Nairn Academy as a place that will inspire students and teachers alike, benefiting generations to come.
The £61 million contract was awarded to Balfour Beatty as part of Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s LEIP initiative, originally announced in December 2020.
The Highland Council officially approved capital funding for the project in September 2023.
As construction advances, anticipation grows for a modern, energy-efficient school that will serve the pupils of Nairnshire for years to come.
