Moray MP Douglas Ross and Council leader Kathleen Robertson have “warmly welcomed” funding for a replacement Forres Academy.
However, the local Conservative representatives say that the SNP Government cannot forget about “stumping up” much needed funding for a replacement secondary school in Buckie as well.
SNP education secretary Jenny Gilruth has confirmed Moray Council were successful in the latest round of funding from the SNP Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme.
Kathleen – who also represents the Forres ward and made securing a new Forres Academy one of her election priorities says he is “delighted” the hard work put into the bid by councillors and officials has paid off.
Douglas – who is a former pupil of Forres Academy – says a replacement school is long overdue and the need for it is “even more urgent” given the recent discovery of dangerous concrete in the current building.
However, both Kathleen and Douglas say parents, pupils and staff in Buckie High School – a replacement for which has also been earmarked by Conservative-led Moray Council – must also be supported with money from the SNP Government.
They say that they will continue to make the case for Buckie High School to be included in the next round of funding, so that both Forres and Buckie will finally see new schools in the coming years.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “It is extremely welcome news that funding has been secured for a replacement Forres Academy.
“As a former pupil of the school, it has been sad to see how it has fallen into a state of disrepair. With the recent discovery of dangerous concrete found in the building, this funding confirmation from the SNP Government is a timely boost.
“Having worked closely with local Conservative councillor and Moray Council leader Kathleen Robertson, I know how hard she has worked to secure this funding and how much of a priority it has been for the Conservative-led council.
“Every pupil in Forres and across Moray deserve to be learning in buildings that are fit for the 21st century.
“That is why the SNP Government cannot forget about stumping up the funding for a new secondary school in Buckie as well. The local community are desperate to see plans for a new High School in Buckie come to fruition and I will be continuing to push for this bid to be successful in future rounds of funding from the SNP Government.”
Forres Councillor and Moray Council leader Kathleen Robertson added: “I am delighted that our funding bid for a new Forres Academy has been given the go-ahead.
“Being a local ward councillor, I know how important this issue is which is why I was determined to secure this funding from the SNP Government.
“There is a genuine risk that the current Forres Academy could collapse. Pupils and parents need confidence that a replacement school is on its way and this a major boost for the new Forres Academy project.
“Ensuring all our schools across Moray are fit for purpose is one of my top priorities as council leader. I have also made a new Buckie High School a priority as council leader.
“SNP ministers cannot think they have ticked a box by giving this money for Forres. They must ensure that Buckie High School is top of the pile in the next round of funding and Moray Council under my leadership will be pressing them to do so.”