A well-known Portree building has been restored to its former glory as the new residence for pupils at the town’s high school
Highland Council has received the keys to the former Elgin Hostel at Portree High School on Skye that has been refurbished to convert the premises from council offices back into the school residence.
They were handed to residence manager Margaret Anne Beaton by Dawn Marshall, of MacGregor Construction, the main contractor for the project.
Ms Beaton said: “The young people are looking forward to moving into the new residence, which they have described as ‘amazing’.
“The building has been sympathetically refurbished, retaining original architectural features while still providing a modern and vibrant environment.
“There is a continuum of history in retaining and bringing back to life an iconic building, which was originally opened in 1933 as a school hostel for boys.”
Renovated to a high standard, the building, which will provide quality accommodation for pupils, forms part of a wider project to establish a standalone Gaelic School in Portree.
Chairman of the council’s education, children and adult services committee Councillor Drew Millar said: “It is a fantastic achievement to see this iconic building, which is well-known in the area, restored to its former glory.”
The refurbished residence will be open for public viewing on Monday May 30 from 6pm to 8.30pm.