The future of Buckie Community High School (BCHS) remains uncertain as delays in decision-making continue to frustrate parents and the local community. Throughout 2025, the school faced significant setbacks, including the loss of Scottish Government funding for a new facility. Recently, Moray Council confirmed it lacks the financial resources to advance any substantial plans for BCHS, leaving many families disheartened.
In a public meeting held in June, council officials disclosed that none of the proposed solutions—a full new build, a hybrid rebuild, or a comprehensive refurbishment—are financially feasible. As the new year begins, local councillors Sonya Warren and Neil McLennan expressed their concerns regarding the ongoing situation and outlined their hopes for a resolution in 2026.
Frustrations Mount Over BCHS Plans
Councillor Sonya Warren described the BCHS rebuild as one of the most pressing local issues of the past two years. She emphasized the community’s growing impatience with the lack of clarity surrounding the school’s future. “People recognize that the current building is no longer fit for purpose,” she stated. “They’ve been waiting a long time for clarity on what will actually happen and when.”
Warren outlined her expectations for 2026 to be a pivotal year for BCHS, demanding a clear, costed, and deliverable plan. She called for a decisive commitment to either a new build or a substantial refurbishment, along with a realistic timeline for implementation. She also highlighted the importance of transparent communication with parents, pupils, and staff throughout the process.
Despite the uncertainty, Warren noted the resilience of BCHS students, who continue to achieve impressive academic results. She stressed that modern learning environments are essential for fostering future success, emphasizing that the community deserves a facility that reflects the needs of students today and for years to come.
Political Accountability and Community Expectations
Councillor Neil McLennan criticized the political leadership for failing to deliver on promises made regarding the school. He recounted how a balanced budget proposal he presented in 2023, which aimed to secure funding for a new BCHS, was blocked due to what he termed “shameful petty politicking.” McLennan is pursuing this matter with auditors, aiming to shed light on what he views as detrimental decision-making affecting the community.
“The current Conservative administration has wasted valuable resources on projects that are not priorities while neglecting the urgent need for a new school,” he stated. “It is scandalous that children in Buckie are left behind while others in Moray benefit from new, state-of-the-art facilities.”
McLennan raised concerns regarding the legal rights of Buckie’s children, questioning whether they are being upheld in light of the ongoing delays. He noted that the council had responded to his inquiries using AI-generated answers, which he found unsatisfactory. He remains committed to advocating for BCHS and ensuring that the needs of local students are prioritized.
As the community looks ahead to 2026, there is a collective hope for decisive action that will finally address the long-standing issues surrounding Buckie Community High School. With both councillors calling for a renewed focus on education and transparency, the demand for a clear path forward is louder than ever. The residents of Buckie eagerly await the commitments from both local and national leaders that could transform their school and, by extension, their future.
