Independent review of new school location expected to cost less than £100,000

Shetland Islands Council is optimistic it will conclude the urgent independent review of the proposed new Anderson High School on time and for less than £100,000. A public meeting is also to be held next month to hear more of the concerns voiced about the £49 million school.

Chief executive Dave Clark said on Tuesday very good progress was being made in getting the review in place despite the very tight timescale which requires the work to be completed by mid-August and reports ready for councillors by 3rd September.

The start of building work was halted suddenly nearly two weeks ago when councillor Jonathan Wills was successful in forcing a last-minute rethink, backed by many of the residents in the Knab and Twageos area.

Four groups of expert consultants are tendering for the job of analysing whether the Knab or Clickimin area offer the best value for a new school. One is expected to be appointed within two-and-a-half weeks.

Architecture+Design Scotland, a public body which helps ensure good quality buildings, has agreed to review the design of the proposed school and charge only expenses.

The Shetland Architectural Society is also to become involved in commenting on the school as proposed for the Knab site and the council is to carry out its own risk assessment of proceeding with the school next to the existing school.

A budget of up to £150,000 has been set aside for the review, which is being led by services chairman Gussie Angus, the Lerwick South councillor, with building consultant Andrew Laidler appointed to co-ordinate the work for a fee of £18,000. But Mr Clark said he hoped the review would cost under £100,000.

The progress so far is due to be approved by the Full Council on Wednesday morning. The public meeting is tentatively proposed for Wednesday 22nd July.