The opening of a new school campus in Easter Ross has been delayed once more, now scheduled for April 22, 2026. This state-of-the-art facility in Tain aims to accommodate students aged three to 18 and will replace several existing schools, including Tain Royal Academy, which have been deemed inadequate for current educational needs. The campus is being constructed by Kier Construction to meet advanced Passivhaus standards, ensuring high energy efficiency and superior thermal comfort.
This multimillion-pound project has faced numerous postponements. Initially, the campus was expected to open in August 2024, but the timeline has shifted multiple times. In May 2022, a year-long delay was announced due to snagging issues, and the anticipated opening date was pushed to October 2025. Following that, a new target of February 2025 was established, only for it to be postponed again.
In a letter issued to parents and guardians, Isobel Sinclair, the area quality improvement manager for Highland Council, communicated the latest delay. The letter indicated that the new date was set following discussions between the council’s school estates team and education officials. It did not provide specific reasons for the delay but noted that contractors are collaborating with council staff to complete the remaining tasks before the handover of the building.
Regarding the transition to the new facility, the Scottish Government will be asked to approve revised school closure dates. These include April 2, 2026, before the Easter holiday, and April 20 and 21, 2026, after the break. Sinclair highlighted that once the building is handed over, the council will begin installing the necessary ICT equipment. During this phase, selected groups of students will have the opportunity to visit the campus as part of the transition planning.
Sinclair stated, “The Estates Team have distributed photographs and media to all schools to assist pupils, parents, and staff with the transition work.” Individual transition events for each school will be communicated directly by headteachers.
A stakeholder group meeting is scheduled for the week commencing February 23, 2026. In her letter, Sinclair expressed gratitude for the community’s continued support, inviting any questions regarding the transition process.
Some parents have expressed concerns about the timing of the opening, particularly as it falls just before the examination period for many students. Both Highland Council and Kier Construction have been contacted for further comments on the situation.
As the community awaits the completion of this vital educational facility, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition for all students involved.
