Threatened school building

A proposal to convert a threatened school building into a community hub has taken a step forward.

Planning permission has been applied for to change the use of a surplus part of Leverhulme School in Leverburgh.

Planners are considering the application.

Meanwhile, the comhairle is holding off from plans to demolish the building and develop a children's play park on the cleared site.

A report said the unit is "in such a poor state of repair and condition that it is proposed it should be demolished" while the adjacent building which accommodates the main school would be redeveloped and modernised for pupils.

Leverhulme Memorial School Steering Group is up against a deadline of the end of September to firm up its plans.

The body says the "old block," as it is known locally, could have a new future as a multi-use facility incorporating a museum for the local historical society, a cafe, gym, laundrette, and charity shop.

The council has agreed in-principle to transfer the unit to the steering group upon evidence of planning permission and receipt of a satisfactory business plan.

The building was originally built by former island landlord and soap king, Lord Leverhulme, during his drive to industrialise the island.

Plan to save threatened school building

2 July 2016