Plans for a new Beauly Primary School have moved a step closer after Highland Council’s Education Committee backed proposals to relocate the school to a purpose built site on the edge of the village.

Councillors have agreed to recommend the project to the full Highland Council following a statutory consultation that found strong support for replacing the existing school buildings.

The proposed new school would be built on land west of Cnoc na Ràth and would provide modern learning facilities designed to meet the needs of future generations of pupils.

For many families in Beauly, the decision marks an important milestone in a project that has been years in the making.

The current school buildings are widely regarded as no longer being suitable for modern education, with concerns having been raised about their condition and limitations.

During the consultation process, pupils, parents, staff and local residents were invited to share their views on the proposal.

While feedback highlighted issues such as traffic management, site access and outdoor spaces, there was broad agreement that new accommodation is needed.

Education Scotland also identified significant educational benefits from the move, including more flexible teaching spaces, improved accessibility, enhanced digital infrastructure and better support for pupil wellbeing.

The proposed development forms part of Highland Council’s wider Community Point of Delivery approach, which aims to bring services together where possible to better serve local communities.

Chair of the Education Committee, Councillor John Finlayson, said:

“This is a really positive step for Beauly and reflects the strength of feeling from the community about the need for a new school.

“The consultation has shown clear support for replacing the current buildings, alongside constructive feedback that will help shape the next stages of the project.

“A new, purpose-built school gives us the opportunity to provide modern, high-quality facilities that support learning, wellbeing and inclusion for all pupils.

“Members have carefully considered the outcome of the consultation and the advice from Education Scotland, and this recommendation takes that on board.

“If approved by the Council, we will continue to work closely with pupils, parents, staff and the wider community as the design develops.”

The recommendation will now go before a future meeting of the full Highland Council for final approval.

If approved, work will move into the detailed design phase, followed by land acquisition and construction planning.

Meanwhile, councillors have also agreed to begin a statutory consultation on proposals to permanently relocate Plockton Primary School to the Plockton High School campus.

Discussions will also take place on the future location of Sgoil Àraich a’ Phluic nursery as part of the wider Plockton project.

Further reports on both developments will be considered once consultation processes have been completed.