PPP Highland Schools – Architecture Design Scotland, Education Building News

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Scottish PPP Schools – Highland Council: Architectural Issues

post updated 27 July 2025

Architecture and Design Scotland : Jul 2005

PPP Highland Schools Meeting

A+DS School Design

Architecture + Design Scotland (A+DS) Chief Executive Sebastian Tombs met representatives of the Highland Council on Monday 25 July to discuss aspects of their PPP2 Schools programme. The Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland, whose role A+DS inherited on 1 April this year, had made substantial criticism of the schools’ designs.

Mr Tombs, describing his visit as a ‘fact finding mission’, confirmed that the positions and roles of both A+DS and the Highland Council had been explored, as well as the circumstances and history of the PPP2 projects. He said, “we can – indeed should – learn from the PPP school programme – not only in Highland, but across Scotland. It is clear to me now that a line must be drawn under the Highland Schools debate by A+DS, as matters have progressed beyond planning approvals stages.

“A+DS is keen to help Authorities, the Scottish Executive and the design community, develop the best designs for future generations – especially for our young people. There are already mechanisms in place that can provide that, to which A+DS can contribute; of course, the earlier in the process such engagement commences, the more fruitful can be the consequences”.

The Highland Council and A+DS agreed to exchange further information, and maintain contact with regard to these and any future projects.

Scottish PPP Schools – A+DS PR: 270705

Schools

Location: Scotland, UK.