Community open day to mark official opening of East Caithness Community Campus

12th June 2018

A morning of fun and festivities for the local community will mark the official opening of the East Caithness Community Campus on Saturday 16 June 2018.

Guest of honour, Lord Lieutenant of Caithness, The Right Honourable John Sinclair, Viscount Thurso of Ulbster, PC will mark the occasion by unveiling a plaque at the event which starts at 10am and runs till 12 noon.

Caithness Civic Leader, Cllr Willie MacKay said: "The event this Saturday will be a wonderful occasion to see the Campus offically opened. It will be a great opportunity for the public to come along and enjoy the celebratory atmosphere; to join in with all the attractions that will be on offer on the day; as well as taking a look around the Campus. I wish the new facility and all the many staff, children and locals who will use it over the years all the best for the future."

The East Caithness Community Campus incorporates Highland Council's new Wick High School and Newton Park Primary School. The campus is also home to the East Caithness Community Facility run by High Life Highland incorporating a swimming pool, sports halls, fitness suite, dance studio and public library.

Fiona Grant, Head Teacher at Wick High School said: "Throughout the morning at Wick High School a range of entertainments and activities will be on offer including various stalls, children's fun (face painting, inflatables) and live music. Caithness Archery Club will be giving the public a chance to try out the sport.

"On display in classrooms, the public will be able to view the various faculties’ works that have been completed in the first year at our wonderful new school. We look forward to welcoming everyone along to see the great work our staff and pupils are achieving."

Lilian Wark, Head Teacher at Newton Park Primary said: “The primary school will also be open with a number of stalls and activities and games for children. If the weather is on our side, many will take place in the playground. Children’s work will be on display throughout the building and some classrooms will be open for viewing. We look forward to welcoming the community in to our new school."

High Life Highland is providing access to the new fitness facility between 10 am and 11.30 am and will be offering gym inductions on the day as well. There will be a circuit class for young people between 11.30 am - 12 pm and the library will be holding a Bookbug session from 11 am - 11.45 am. The swimming pool will also be available for free swimming for all ages between 12 noon – 1pm.

High Life Highland Chief Executive Ian Murray added: “We are delighted to be involved in the open day to celebrate the official opening which will allow the local community to come along enjoy the facilities and see what’s on offer.”

Highland Council catering staff will provide refreshments of teas, coffees and more.

The Wick Campus project is part of the Scottish Government ‘Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme’, managed by the Scottish Futures Trust. The Council welcomes the significant financial support from Scottish Government and the programme support from Scottish Futures Trust which combined, have allowed Wick Campus to be built.

The new Campus was delivered through contract with Hub North Scotland Wick Limited, constructed by Morrison Construction, with Facilities Management Services provided by Galliford Try FM.