Merkinch school plans given green light

One of Inverness’s most deprived areas is to have a new ‘education campus’ in plans approved by Highland councillors yesterday.The Merkinch campus fronting onto Carse Road will encompass an L-shaped modern primary and nursery block, with courtyard, astro-turf pitch, and multi-use games area.It’s the end of an era spanning almost a century and a half for the original Merkinch primary, housed in a listed Victorian building on Telford road.The original building will be retained as part of the campus, housing the school dining room and a family centre.In recent times, the overcrowded school has spilled out into portable buildings.Local councillors welcomed the development.Inverness Central councillor Richard Laird told colleagues at the South Planning Applications committee in Inverness yesterday that describing the project as ‘extending Merkinch primary’ vastly understated the case.Councillor Janet Campbell said she was delighted by the news.