Councillor Stephen Leask has issued a strong warning regarding the potential repercussions if the Shetland Island Council (SIC) decides to halt the construction of a new school in Brae. Leask, representing Lerwick North and Bressay, described a reversal at this stage as a “complete embarrassment” that would incur significant costs for the council. Preparatory work is currently underway as the project approaches the final business case, which is set to be presented to councillors in October 2024.
In January 2024, the council approved the progression of the project to a full business case, which is estimated to cost £4.5 million. If all goes according to plan, construction could begin in November 2026, with the new school potentially welcoming students by August 2028. The existing school, which is the only secondary institution serving the North Mainland, has been deemed no longer fit for purpose and is scheduled for demolition in 2029.
The overall estimated cost for the new school stands at £42.5 million, which includes the initial £4.5 million necessary to reach the full business case stage. The Scottish Government has committed to funding half of the project, but this financial support will be distributed over a period of 25 years.
Concerns Over Timeline and Costs
During a recent council meeting, Development Committee Chairman Dennis Leask raised concerns about the optimistic timeline for the project. He noted that construction is slated to begin just a month after the potential approval of the full business case, questioning whether the SIC would be responsible for costs incurred prior to that approval.
Maggie Sandison, SIC Chief Executive, clarified that the decision to proceed with the full business case has already been made and will inevitably involve certain costs. “You’ve made a decision to proceed to full business case, which does obviously incur some costs for the organisation, but you still have the choice in October 2024 whether or not you proceed for the full project,” she said. Sandison emphasized that there is a clear distinction between the costs associated with developing the business case and those related to its implementation.
Councillor Stephen Leask urged his colleagues to avoid any U-turn on the project. He expressed concern that reversing the decision would not only lead to financial losses but also damage the council’s reputation. “If we ever did a U-turn on any decision that we’ve made in the past, it’d be at considerable cost to the council,” he stated, advocating for the project’s continuation until the necessary funding from the Scottish Government can be secured.
Support for the New School
Following the council meeting, SIC leader Emma Macdonald, who represents the Shetland North ward that includes Brae, reiterated her support for the new school initiative. She assured that councillors would have all necessary information to make an informed decision by October. Macdonald highlighted the importance of the Brae school to the local community, stating, “The Brae school serves a wide catchment area and is important to the future of many families.”
Earlier this year, Robertson Construction Group was selected as the preferred main contractor for the project. Initial designs have been shared, and public consultations have already taken place. The new school is proposed to be built on the site of the existing grass pitch, which will be reinstated after the demolition of the old building.
As the project progresses, stakeholders remain hopeful that a solid business case will emerge, garnering the support of the entire council. The future of education in Brae hinges on the successful delivery of this project, which aims to address the pressing needs of the community and provide a modern learning environment for its students.
