In a historic first, all children on the island of North Uist are now being educated together in a single primary school.
Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath (North Uist School) opened its doors yesterday to 91 primary pupils and 30 nursery children.
In more populous times, the island was dotted with many primary schools.
With the passage of time and depopulation, the schools closed one by one until only three remained, at Lochmaddy, Carinish and Paible.
Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar’s decision to close them all to create one primary school was contentious with many parents, as was the chosen site next to Paible primary on the west side of the island.
However, this was firmly in the past as children, parents and staff made their way into the school with palpable excitement.
The school’s vibrant purple livery and uniform was chosen by parents in order to differ from all the old school colours and create a new unified start.
Mum of three Eilidh MacLean said: “It’s going to be a big change but a good one.”
Head teacher Sarah Jane MacSween told the children in their first joint assembly: “Nothing this year has made me happier than seeing your gorgeous faces all together.”
When she asked the children how they felt, the responses were ‘happy’, ‘good’ and ‘really good.’
The total cost of the new school campus is just under £9M, made up of £2.2m from Scottish Government and £6.6m from the council, as part of the wider upgrade of the Comhairle’s school estate.
Cllr Catriona Stewart Chair of Education and Children’s Services said: “We are confident that staff and children will benefit from this excellent education facility which provides childcare, early years and primary education to the North Uist community in partnership with Saoghal Beag Nursery.”