Concerns over costs have delayed building work on a new Elgin High School.
Construction was due to start on a new building this month, but after price estimates came in millions over budget, it has been put back.
At a private meeting yesterday, Moray council officers told councillors the potential cost of the work went beyond what was acceptable to the administrative body and they could not commit public money to it.
Contractors have now been asked to review costs for the building.
Elgin City South councillor John Divers has spearheaded the campaign for a new high school in the town, and said last night he was disappointed at the “annoying” hold-up.
He said: “The hope was that the turf would be cut at the end of this month, but now in all probability it will be May at the earliest.
“It all depends on what happens with the regulation involved.
“For somebody like me, who has been fighting for a new high school since 2001 it is annoying, but I understand why the delay is there.
“Our original plan was to have the school ready for pupils by next October, but that may now have to be postponed until after Christmas 2016.”
The council fears any delay will put the price of the school up by an estimated £100,000 a month in inflationary costs.
The terms of the public-private finance package funding the new school dictate that a guaranteed maximum cost be agreed before a contract can be signed.
The contractor is now re-assessing its estimate, and this will delay the start of work.
The council is in discussions with public-private finance group the Scottish Futures Trust to increase its contribution level to cover the anticipated increase.
Council convener Allan Wright said: “Any delay is deeply frustrating for everyone, but I am hopeful that agreement can be reached soon.”