Pupils being taught through the medium of Gaelic in Inverness have moved into a new annexe adjacent to the primary school building.
The new building at Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Inbhir Nis opened at the turn of the year to accommodate pupils enrolling in its early level department, Roinn na Trath Ire.
Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Inbhir Nis was created as Highland Council’s first designated purpose-built all Gaelic school in the region back in 2007.
The new facility comprises of two nursery classrooms, two primary classrooms, a production kitchen, dining area, offices and space for other facilities.
The total cost of the project was £2.1million with Highland Council confirming the project was completed on time and on budget.
Councillor John Finlayson, chairman of the education committee, welcomed the announcement.
He said: “It is good to see this work completed to meet both the needs of the school and also to support the expansion of early learning and childcare.
“I am sure staff parents and pupils will all be delighted with the completion of this important project.”
Work on the project was carried out by Morgan Sindall and overseen by Highland Council’s Development and Infrastructure service.
Ian Macdonald, special works manager at Morgan Sindall, said: “Modular construction is being adopted quickly in education, largely due to the speed and quality it offers, along with relative lack of disruption to school life in comparison to traditional methods.
“The expandable nature of the units also means facilities can be further extended to meet future demand for school places.
“We have great collaborative relationships with both the Highland Council and the SPA Framework, and we’re very pleased to hand over this latest project ahead of schedule.”
The expansion will benefit the 226 pupils currently enrolled to study at Bun Sgoil Ghaidhlig Inbhir Nis and expands upon the 12 classrooms already present at the school.
The facility opened its doors in 2007 to meet the increasing demand for parents wishing to have their children educated in Gaelic medium in the Highland capital.
At the time of its opening, the school had a roll of 100 pupils and 45 nursery pupils.