Barra and Vatersay ‘desperately need’ new school

30 March 2025

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has reaffirmed its commitment for a new school for Barra and Vatersay despite a massive setback when the initial plan to include the build of a modern hospital as part of a combined project was effectively frozen.

The current Castlebay School is in a deteriorating condition with crumbling plasterboard and leaks and in urgent need of replacement.

However, the Scottish Government has put the hospital element on hold until at least the summer of 2026 - more likely to be 2027 - in line with its Scotland-wide pause on all significant NHS building schemes due to cash constraints and a spike in construction prices.

Rising costs, funding uncertainty, affordability, and technical obstacles are amongst the challenges arising in drawing up a viable revamped project.

Now a new project board has held its first meeting with the remit to progress a development focused on a new Castlebay School and leisure facilities.

The Comhairle stresses it is “wholly committed” to the wider Barra and Vatersay Community Campus model but “equally recognises” the urgent need for a new school and leisure facilities since the hospital provision has been postponed.

The board was updated on detailed options for a new school and leisure facilities as well as regarding ongoing discussions with Scottish Government in relation to all aspects of the project.

The project board reaffirmed the Comhairle’s commitment to deliver the project, highlighting the need for proactive work alongside Scottish Government officials, reflecting that the community campus is the council’s priority capital project.

Paul Steele, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “I was again left frustrated that the 2025/26 Scottish Government budget did not confirm funding for the Comhairle’s priority capital project, the Barra and Vatersay Community Campus or, at minimum, the education and leisure element which is so urgently required.

“The people of Barra and Vatersay desperately need new facilities and it is important that the Comhairle continues to push for the realisation of these proposals.

“The message from Thursday’s meeting is clear, this is a vital project that Scottish Government cannot further delay and must support the Comhairle to deliver.”

In addition to both Barra and Vatersay councillors, membership of the project board compromises the Comhairle’s leader and deputy leader, chair and vice-chair of the education committee, and the chief officers for education, finance, as well as assets and infrastructure.