Five new schools are to be built in the Outer Hebrides after a massive £120m deal was signed between the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (local council), contractors and the Scottish Government.

The deal is the biggest ever capital project in the islands, and paves the way for the construction of two new secondaries and three primary schools.

The schools are the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway and Sir E. Scott in Tarbert, both secondaries, and primaries at Point, Balivanich and on the west side of Lewis.

Comhairle Leader Angus Campbell said: “I am delighted that we have now formally reached agreement on this major project for the islands. As well as improving educational facilities for our children and young people, the schools project is also helping to sustain the local economy”.

An option remains for Daliburgh School to be included in the schools package, which will be the subject of further discussions.

Councillor Norman Macdonald, Chair of council partnership organisation Sgoiltean Ura, said: “I am extremely pleased that we have reached this stage and that Sgoiltean Ura has delivered what we believe is a good deal for the Comhairle and a good deal for our communities that will benefit from these new schools.

“We have reached this important milestone due to the hard work of all involved and I commend them. We will be looking for the same degree of co-operation to continue throughout the lifetime of the project.”

The news has been greeted enthusiastically by local teachers and education officials. Councillor Morag Munro, Chair of Education and Children’s Services, said: “Over 40% of pupils in the Western Isles will benefit from these new schools and it is excellent news that we have now reached this stage. Pupils’ learning environments are an important factor in realising their full educational potential and I am delighted that we will have these first rate facilities.”

FMP is carrying out the detailed design and construction work and FES FM Ltd will be responsible for the facilities management and lifecycle maintenance of the schools for a 28 year period.

It is currently anticipated that Balivanich will be completed by August 2011, followed by Point and West Side. Sir E Scott and the Nicolson Institute will be fully operational by August 2012.