28/04/2026
Consultation in has found strong support for investment in a Community Point of Delivery (PoD) that serves the whole town and delivers wider benefits beyond the replacement of ageing school buildings.
Local people described the proposed development of an education campus on the current Thurso High School site and surrounding area as an opportunity to create a civic asset for the whole community, bringing together education, sport, leisure, health, art and social facilities.
The Highland Council has committed £100 million to Thurso under its Highland Investment Plan (HIP) - a £2.1 billion, 20-year capital investment programme to improve schools, roads and local infrastructure throughout the region.
Key findings from the consultation include:
➡️ Strong support for high-quality indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities available to the wider community outside of school hours.
➡️Education quality was consistently identified as a top priority. Views varied on plans for new school buildings and how secondary, primary and early learning provision could be arranged on the site.
➡️ Strong support for inclusive design to meet the needs of people with additional support needs.
➡️Demand for flexible community spaces capable of hosting large civic events, concerts, and performances, alongside smaller bookable rooms for local groups.
➡️ Support for stronger links between schools and the UHI North, West and Hebrides campus in Thurso.
➡️Traffic management, access and safe routes to school were identified as key considerations.
Feedback will be used to inform development of more detailed proposals for the site. Statutory consultation will follow later this year.
hub North Scotland
Focus North
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
High Life Highland
NHS Highland
NRS Dounreay
UHI North, West and Hebrides
North Highland Chamber of Commerce
Thurso Community Council