The £5 million Sgoil An Rubha (Point School) was formally opened today by Professor Matt Maciver, chairman of the UHI university . The new school is the first to be opened by the council on Lewis for 18 years.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Professor MacIver said: “This is a wonderful honour for me. No greater honour could have been bestowed on me. I feel very humble and hugely privileged.
“Two strands of my life come together this morning in a way that I could never have anticipated. I am a very proud Rubhach and an equally proud islander. And, I have dedicated my professional life to education in Scotland – as a teacher, headmaster and now as Chair of Court of Scotland’s newest university – the University of the Highlands and Islands, which, I am confident, will come to affect the lives of many of the pupils who will be educated in this school.”
He added: “Sgoil an Rubha is a school for the 21st century and the facilities that are being offered are second to none. Let no one here doubt that this is an historic day for a community that welcomes its new school and wishes it well. I hope your new school will act as an educational and social beacon for a long time to come.”
Angus Campbell, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “I hope that the pupils are enjoying this first term and that many generations of Rubhaich to come will similarly enjoy their schooldays in this fantastic facility.”
Cllr Norman A Macdonald, Chair of Sgoiltean Ura, commenting on the opening of Sgoil an Rubha and Sgoil Bhaile A’ Mhanaich later this week, said: “Works are continuing at the remainder of the Western Isles Schools Project (WISP) and remain on programme and on budget.
“Sir E. Scott will complete in December 2011, West Side Primary in March 2012 and the Nicolson Institute and Daliburgh in summer 2012, with final completion of all schools by January 2013.”
Morag Munro, Chair of Education and Children’s Services said: “We have made great progress on the development of educational facilities in the Islands and today marks the first of a series of openings of new schools. These facilities are no less than our children, parents and staff deserve.”
Point school makes history 27/9/11