A new £8.7 million Gaelic primary school has been opened in the Highlands.

The Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh - Portree Gaelic Primary School - was delivered by Robertson Northern on behalf of the council.

The scheme was part of an overall capital investment programme in conjunction with the Scottish Government, including the formation of a new access road to the school and refurbishment of the former Elgin Hostel building to create a new pupil residence for Portree High.


A total of 130 primary pupils started the new term at Portree Gaelic School on Monday, while 40 children are attending nursery.

Cllr Andrew Baxter said: "This is a historic day (16 April) for the development of the Gaelic language in the Highlands and the Gaelic heartland of Skye. Comann nam Pàrant Port Rìgh who campaigned long for a Gaelic school can be very proud of this momentous achievement as Highland Council is also."

Bill Alexander, the council's Director of Care and Learning, said: "173 children are attending Highland's third dedicated Gaelic school in the region.

"This clearly demonstrates the Council's ongoing commitment to the development of the Gaelic language since we opened Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis in 2007 and Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar in 2015."

(LM/MH)