No reopening date for fire-hit Highland primary as pupils to attend neighbouring school

Highland Council has revealed that there is no reopening date for a primary school which was damaged in a blaze, as pupils will be taught at a neighbouring school.

A week on from the fire which tore through the Ballachulish Primary School, Highland Council has issued an update on the future of the school and its pupils.

A council statement read: “At this stage, it is not possible to provide a reopening date for Ballachulish Primary School.

“Any future decision regarding reoccupation of the building will be informed by the outcome of structural assessments, safety advice and the scope of remedial works.”

The fire took place during the October break, with pupils due to return next week.

Since the school has been rendered unusable, the council has agreed pupils will be taught at Kinlochleven Primary School, around 20 minutes from Ballachulish.

This was identified as the “most suitable temporary location” as it can accommodate extra children.

Pupils will start at Kinlochleven on Wednesday, October 28, with transport arrangements still to be finalised.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were first alerted to a fire at Ballachulish Primary School in the early hours of Thursday, October 15.

Six fire appliances spent hours bringing the “well-developed” fire under control, but the blaze damaged much of the school, which contained two classrooms and a nursery.

In the aftermath of the fire, head teacher Mary Evans said: “This is really horrible news to share, but our school is so much more than a building.

“It is the children, families and staff who make it the special place it is. Whatever challenges we may face, I know that the strength and kindness of our school community will help us through them together.

“I extend our thanks to the neighbours who first raised the alarm and to all from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews for their amazing efforts to tackle the fire and make the site safe.”