The first turf has been cut on the site of a new primary school in Broadford on the Isle of Skye, with construction formally beginning on Friday 13th of February 2026.
Pupils were joined at the ceremony by Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes, Skye councillor and Highland Council education chair John Finlayson, alongside representatives from Morgan Sindall Construction, Highland Council and community organisations.
The £21 million development is one of three Highland Council projects backed through the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme.
The new campus will include a nursery sgoil àraich, gym hall, public library and council service point, alongside a separate community project delivering a new all weather floodlit sports pitch.
The building has been designed to Passivhaus classic standard, aiming to create a low carbon, energy efficient and digitally enabled learning environment.
Completion of the primary school is scheduled for summer 2027.
Cllr John Finlayson said the start of works marked a significant milestone for the community.
“Today is a momentous day as we welcome the start of construction on a brand new school in Broadford.
“It has taken a huge deal of energy, commitment and vision to get us to this stage, but the end result will be first class facilities for the school and wider community.
“A new school for Broadford has been a priority ambition of Highland Council, and now we are turning that vision into genuine progress.
“The new school shows the enormous value in partnership and co operation when it comes to delivering lasting change.
“The Highland Council, Scottish Government, community groups and parents have all worked together on this vital development, which is now going to become a reality.
“I would like to thank the Skye community, stakeholders and council officers who have worked tirelessly with me and other members over a number of years to get to this stage.
“They should be so proud of their efforts.
“I will be looking forward to this school, and then projects in the Highland Investment Plan, including at Dunvegan in Skye, taking shape.
As they do so, they give excitement and optimism to communities all across our vast, predominately rural, authority.”
Kate Forbes MSP said she had campaigned for the project for many years.
“I am absolutely thrilled to see construction work officially begin in Broadford for the new primary school.
“I have fought for this day for many years.
“I share in the excitement pupils and teachers have, along with the wider community, for the school and the facilities it will bring to Broadford.
“The project has received funding from the Scottish Government, and I am pleased to see this investment being made to rural communities such as Broadford.
“I am most grateful to those involved in the stakeholder group which has been held over recent years to help reach this point.”
Morgan Sindall Construction, appointed as contractor by Highland Council, said it looked forward to delivering the new facility for the Broadford community.
The project forms part of a wider programme of investment in modern, sustainable school buildings across Scotland, with ministers confirming £5.8 million of support for the Broadford scheme.
For South Skye, the moment signals more than construction, offering a new focal point for learning, sport and community life for the next generation.
