News / SIC gets keys to new Anderson High School
SHETLAND Islands Council has taken possession of the new £55.75 million Anderson High School and its halls of residence ahead of pupils moving into the buildings in late October.
Chief executive Mark Boden was joined by Morrison Construction’s Mark Clarke and Hub North Scotland director Phil McVey at the school in Lerwick on Tuesday.
Other staff who were involved in the construction of the school also attended the site.
Morrison was the main contractor for building the school and they were contracted by Hub North, not the SIC.
Boden said: “This is a landmark day for Shetland. The council has realised the aspiration of many years and delivered a state of the art modern school.
“It will provide an ideal learning environment for Shetland’s children, and give school staff the best possible opportunity to deliver first class education.
“This has been the council’s biggest building project, with the construction contract costing £55.75 million. I want to pay tribute to the many organisations and hundreds of individuals who have contributed to the project; every single person’s contribution was vital and is appreciated.
“They should all be proud of what they have achieved, not least delivering such a large and complex project for the people of Shetland. I want to express my personal thanks to Helen Budge, director of children’s services, who led the project for the council. She and her team have done a fantastic job.
“The new Anderson High School is a monument to the vision and determination of the councillors who made it happen.”
SIC convener Malcolm Bell added: “The council would like particularly to thank the Scottish Government and Deputy First Minister John Swinney for their support to the project, including their vital contribution of £42 million towards the school and halls of residence.”
Secondary four, five and six pupils are due to start at the school on 27 October, with secondary one, two and three joining them on 30 October.
Open days are being planned to give all the residents of Shetland an opportunity to see the school.
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