Bid for £22m transformation of abandoned Glasgow primary into Gaelic school

A £22.8m bid to transform an old abandoned Glasgow primary into a new Gaelic school is set to cost the city council more than expected.

The council is preparing to pour up to £11.6m into converting the old St James’ Primary School into a new Gaelic school in Calton.

The cost has risen due to delays caused by Covid, the building being in a worse condition than expected and hyperinflation.

In 2019 it was estimated the council would have had to spend £8.25m.

The new Gaelic facility is due to open in December 2025 with pupils already lined up for places – currently being taught at North Kelvinside Primary.

It is to be named Bun-Sgoil Ghaidhlig a’ Chailtainn.

As well as the council money paying for the creation of the school, cash is also coming from the Scottish Gaeilic Grant, and Learning Estate Investment (LEIP) funding.

Local authority bosses also need more council cash to transform additional support for needs school Linburn Academy, which is more than 50 years old.

The “deteriorating” school is no “longer fit for purpose” and “struggles to provide suitable facilities for a group of young people with complex additional support needs” according to a council report.

To refurbish the building the council is currently proposing to invest £5.9m.

A refurbishment and extension at Linburn Academy is set to cost £9.2m with LEIP funding bringing in £3.28m.

A council paper said: “The replacement of Linburn Academy with a modern building which is better adapted to the needs of the population using the building will ensure greater access and a more inclusive environment.”

Councillors sitting on the city administration committee on Thursday will be asked to agree to allocate up to £11.603m and £5.918m capital funding for work at the schools.