Plans for a major overhaul of education provision in Thurso have taken a significant step forward after Highland Council agreed to launch a formal public consultation on the proposals.
The plans could see a new secondary school, a new primary school and early years facilities brought together as part of a modern campus designed to serve future generations of pupils in the town.
Councillors approved the move at a meeting of the Education Committee on 3 June, opening the door for pupils, parents, staff and local residents to help shape the future of education in Thurso.
The proposals form part of the Highland Investment Plan, a long term programme aimed at modernising schools and public facilities across the region.
At the heart of the plans is the creation of a new Community Point of Delivery, bringing education and community services together on a single purpose built campus.
The proposal being developed would include a new Thurso secondary school alongside a new primary school with integrated early years provision.
As part of the consultation, Highland Council will also consider bringing together Pennyland Primary School and Miller Academy Primary School within the new campus.
Mount Pleasant Primary School would remain open and continue serving its existing catchment area.
Council officials say the proposals are designed to address the challenges posed by an ageing school estate, with some buildings no longer ideally suited to modern learning, accessibility and inclusion requirements.
The new facilities are intended to support digital learning, Curriculum for Excellence and provide greater opportunities for pupils as they move through different stages of education.
The plans could also strengthen Gaelic Medium Education and Additional Support Needs provision through the co location of services on a single site.
Pre consultation engagement has already taken place and helped shape the proposals that will now move into the formal consultation process.
The project is being supported by the Thurso Transformation Delivery Group, which brings together organisations working to maximise benefits for both Thurso and the wider Caithness area.
Chair of Highland Council’s Education Committee, Councillor John Finlayson, said:
“This is a positive step for Thurso and for the future of education in the town.
“Members have agreed that it is right to now move forward to formal consultation, so that the community can fully consider the proposals and have their say.
“We know that our existing school buildings present challenges, and this investment offers the opportunity to provide modern, high quality learning environments that support children and young people to achieve their best.
“It is important to be clear that no final decisions have been taken.
“The consultation process will allow us to hear directly from pupils, parents, staff and the wider community before we take any further decisions.”
The consultation is expected to begin in August and will run for a minimum of six weeks.
A report on the findings will then be presented to councillors in 2027 before any final decisions are made.
