Two brand new schools are on the horizon for the Isle of Skye as part of a bold strategy to modernise education and community services across the Highlands.
The Highland Investment Plan (HIP) has confirmed that funding will support the long-awaited new Dunvegan Primary School and the continued development of Broadford Primary School.
Councillors agreed the first phase of funding from 2024 to 2030 at a full meeting of The Highland Council on 27 March 2025.
The plan outlines a fresh model of service delivery, one that places schools at the heart of thriving, modernised communities.
This new approach will see educational builds paired with wider community development, affordable housing and sports facilities.
In Dunvegan, this means a brand new primary school alongside housing and a sports pitch delivered with Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association and the Dunvegan Community Trust.
Early infrastructure works, including roads and enabling works, have already been completed.
Construction on the new school is expected to begin in 2026, with pupils stepping through the doors by summer 2027.
Cllr John Finlayson, Chair of both the Education Committee and Skye and Raasay Area Committee, welcomed the news with pride.
He praised the determination of the Skye community and all involved in pushing the project forward over several years.
He said the investment represented more than just bricks and mortar but a new way of supporting the Highlands’ next generation.
The new Broadford Primary School is also progressing steadily through its design and tender stages.
Broadford’s project will bring its own new sports pitch, adding to the quality of life for pupils and the wider community.
These two schools are part of five new education builds or refurbishments included in HIP’s first phase, spanning the wider Highland region.
This broader vision supports the Council’s Learning Estate Strategy, which aims to create inspiring and accessible spaces for all learners.
The strategy covers everything from early years to secondary education, with added focus on Additional Support Needs and enhanced provision.
It ensures that every young person is supported throughout their educational journey in facilities designed for modern learning.
The Council believes these changes will not only equip pupils for the future but also help build a stronger, sustainable Highland economy.
By investing in both education and community, the Highland Council hopes to strengthen the foundations of rural life for generations to come.
With plans now approved and partnerships in place, optimism is running high across Skye.
The first phase of the Highland Investment Plan is officially under way, bringing long-awaited progress to the classroom and beyond.
