Harris secures school funds

Harris Academy pupils with MSP Joe FitzPatrick, Councillor Stewart Hunter. education
 director Jim Collins and education Convener Councillor Liz Fordyce.

The Scottish Government last night underlined its commitment to meeting two-thirds of the cost of the overhaul of Harris Academy in Dundee.  Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced yesterday that Harris was one of 14 projects to receive funding under the Scottish Futures Project, along with Brechin High in Angus and Auchmuty High in Fife.

A spokesman for the government last night emphasised that while it was not yet able to put a figure on how much each school would receive from the fund, two-thirds of the cost of each school would be met by the Scottish Government.

The spokesman said, "The Scottish Government is committed to funding two-thirds of each of the schools announced, including Harris Academy and Brechin High, with the other third coming from the respective local councils.  Individual local authorities will now develop their plans and the detailed costings associated with them, safe in the knowledge that the Scottish Government has made a firm commitment to meet two-thirds of the costs."

The state of accommodation at Haris Academy's Perth Road site has long been viewed as inadequate for modern teaching purposes and a review by the council's education department earlier this year estimated there was at least £17.5m of essential work required to bring it up to standard.  Other "desirable" work - including new sports facilities, a refurbishment of the school's swimming pool and an upgrading of the music block - were also listed at a further cost of at least £1m.

At the official announcement yesterday Ms Hyslop said, "Today's announcement is the latest step towards turning that investment into better buildings.  Pupils, teachers and communities across Scotland, including those in Dundee and Brechin, will benefit from these new schools.  Today's allocations are just the start of our investment, representing a quarter of the new schools that will be built as part of this programme."

"What's more we have a vision for the school estate that will ensure we make the most of that investment by backing it up with focus, ambition and commitment.  The strategy published today sets out the guiding principles that will help us make the most of our buildings and spaces, grounds, fixtures and facilities."

Steve Carter, chairman of Harris Academy's parent council, said it was "great" news that funding was coming the school's way after years of campaigning.  He said, "Harris is a great school with an excellent reputation and we want to have a school that matches the quality of the teaching.

"The current building isn't ideal and just doesn't suit the more modern methods of teaching.  A particular aspect we need to change is the access for disabled staff and pupils and the new building programme envisaged will improve that.  Any investment in young people is an investment in the future.  It has been very helpful to have cross-party support and we thank the council who carried out the feasibility study without any hesitation, allowing us to make the case for Harris"

Local councillors in Dundee all welcomed news of the refurbishment funding, while Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick said that he was delighted that the new school would go ahead at Harris retaining the historic facade.

He said, "This Scottish Futures Trust project for one of the city's most famous schools will be welcomed across the city.  Today's announcement from the cabinet secretary demonstrates the Scottish Government's commitment to providing better school accommodation across Scotland."

(Text and photograph courtesy of The Courier, Dundee, 29 September, 2009)