Councillor Urges Support for New Brae School Amid Costs

Councillors in Shetland are facing pressure to continue with plans for a new school in Brae, as concerns arise over the potential implications of halting the project. Stephen Leask, who represents Lerwick North and Bressay, warned that a reversal on the decision would be a “complete embarrassment” for the council and could incur significant costs.

Preparatory work is currently underway on the new school ahead of the full business case, which is scheduled for consideration in October 2026. The council had previously agreed in January 2024 to advance the project to this stage, with the estimated cost to reach this point being approximately £4.5 million. If approved, construction could begin in late 2026, with the school anticipated to open in August 2028.

The existing secondary school in Brae, the only one in the North Mainland, has been deemed no longer fit for purpose. Plans include demolishing the old building by 2029, making way for the new facility, which has a projected budget of £42.5 million. The Scottish Government has pledged to fund half of this amount over a 25-year period.

At a recent council meeting, Dennis Leask, the development committee chairman, expressed skepticism about the timeline for construction. He noted that the projected start date in November 2026 seems optimistic, especially considering that it follows closely after the expected approval of the business case.

In response to questions about potential liabilities for costs incurred before the business case approval, Maggie Sandison, chief executive of Shetland Islands Council (SIC), clarified that the decision to proceed has already been made, which inherently involves some financial obligations. “You still have the choice in October 2026 whether or not you proceed for the full project,” Sandison stated, emphasizing the separation between costs incurred to reach the business case and those for the overall project.

Leask urged any councillors with reservations about the project to voice their concerns. He emphasized that reversing a decision could lead to both financial repercussions and reputational harm for the council. “If we ever did a U-turn on any decision that we’ve made in the past, it’d be at considerable cost to the council,” he remarked.

Following the meeting, Emma Macdonald, SIC leader and representative for the Shetland North ward, reaffirmed her support for the new school. She noted that the project is crucial for the community, as the Brae school serves a wide catchment area and is vital for many families. Macdonald stated, “I am hoping we see a business case come forward that all the council can get behind and support.”

Earlier this year, Robertson Construction Group was named the preferred main contractor for the project. Initial designs have been released, and public consultations have taken place to gather community input. The proposed site for the new school is currently occupied by a grass pitch, which would be replaced following the demolition of the old building, allowing for the reinstatement of a pitch in a different area.

The future of the Brae school project remains uncertain as councillors prepare to make a critical decision in the upcoming months. The outcome will not only impact the local education landscape but also reflect the council’s commitment to addressing the needs of its community.