A contractor is being sought to bring a dilapidated Fort William school back into use as council offices.
The former Fort William Senior Secondary School, in Achintore Road, cannot be demolished because it is a B-listed building.
It was designed by prominent Scottish architect Alexander Ross – but closed more than 40 years ago.
Highland Council now intends to convert it into its main offices in the town, along with the service point and registration office.
Plans to redevelop the building were agreed by councillors in 2013.
A contractor is now being sought by the council to carry out the work as well as building a new two-storey extension which will house open plan offices.
An external canteen and gym hall will be demolished.
The council estimate that the major works would cost around £4.4million, with an estimated aving of £100,000 per year compared to the council’s existing offices in Fort William.
At the time the plans were approved, Fort William and Ardnamurchan councillor Andrew Baxter backed the plans, describing the existing building as a “running sore”.
Ward councillor Thomas MacLennan also described the listed structure as “headache and an eyesore”.
Plans to turn eyesore Fort William school into offices
