Plans for the a new Anderson High School and associated facilities in Lerwick have taken a significant step forward.
Hub North Scotland, a consortium which builds major community projects in the north of Scotland, will design and build the new secondary school and halls of residence. They'll also refurbish the Clickimin Leisure Complex, which is adjacent to the school site and will provide the necessary sports facilities. The project is to cost £42m and it'll be financed jointly by the Scottish Government and Shetland Islands Council.
The project has been several years in the planning, with much debate about the location of the new school; the present buildings are situated on the other side of the town centre. The school was originally founded by local benefactor Arthur Anderson (1792-1868), born in Lerwick and co-founder of the P&O shipping line.
Councillor Vaila Wishart, who chairs the local authority's Education and Families Committee, said: “After such a long time it is good to know that a new Anderson High School will now be designed and built over the next couple of years.”