Support sought for study into uses for vacant Scalloway school classrooms

Councillors are being asked to back an examination of what should go into the vacant rooms at Scalloway’s school following the closure of its secondary department.

Parts of the building have been empty since the unpopular closure last July, but nursery and primary classes are still taught in the school.  

Some councillors, including Allison Duncan, have floated the idea of shutting nearby primary schools, such as Tingwall and Hamnavoe, and transferring the pupils into a “super primary” in the village.

A report from children’s services director Helen Budge makes no mention of that, but says a number of suggestions have been put forward by NHS Shetland, the NAFC marine centre, Scalloway Parent Council, other council departments and a childcare provider.

After hearing from NAFC director David Gray that a shortage of places to stay was a factor impeding the expansion of the college’s cadet training programme, councillors last month discussed whether parts of the school could be turned into student digs.

The report, which goes before members of the education and families committee on Wednesday, states: “The void space in Scalloway Junior High School has to be utilised. A feasibility study would ensure all options are considered in a balanced way, minimising revenue costs to the council.”