Tobermory Campus Project

• The funding is for a like for like 2-18 campus which is a combined early learning centre, primary and secondary school. The funding was awarded because the existing Tobermory  campus continues to deteriorate and requires investment
• Regardless of the location selected, when the new 2-18 campus opens, the existing Tobermory school buildings will no longer be used to provide education
• If the location chosen is outwith Tobermory this is likely to trigger a review of school catchment areas across the islands
• There is no intention or plan to close any of the other primary schools across the islands
• None of the above will impact on a parent’s entitlement to make a placing request to a school of their choice

The Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) is the Scottish Government’s flagship programme for investment in education and is now into Phase 3.  It is the successor to the ‘Schools for the Future’ programme which saw our Council deliver a number of new builds and substantial refurbishments across our education estate. 

The Council has a strong track record of building modern schools with the successful delivery of Campbeltown Grammar, Kirn Primary, Dunoon Primary, Oban High, Hermitage Academy, Rothesay Joint Campus, Lochgilphead Joint Campus, Dunoon Grammar and Oban Primary Campus).

On 30th October 2023, the Scottish Government (SG) confirmed that the Council has been successful in its bid for Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) funding to deliver a new Campus on Mull. 

Even with regional collaboration, the delivery of a new campus on Mull will be one of the most significant projects in terms of cost and complexity the Council has delivered for many years.  The funding offered by the SG is not a grant nor is it for the full cost of the building – it will cover up to 50% of eligible costs and SG will then offer financing for this sum over 25 years on the basis that certain criteria are met.  These criteria include ‘condition of the building’ (to be maintained as Grade A or B for lifetime), ‘energy efficiency’, ‘digitally enabled’ and ‘supportive of economic development’. Recently added criteria also apply to things like embodied carbon, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, outdoor learning and infection control. 

Costs for elements such as purchase of land, residential / hostel accommodation, operational or running / revenue costs and design development fees are excluded from the LEIP funding that is provided, so Council would need to meet these in full. Building modern schools to high digital and environmental standards comes at a cost premium as does delivering a project on an island due to logistical challenges of getting labour and materials to site. 

As well as the direct educational benefits a modern new campus will provide for learners this investment has potential to act as an economic catalyst and hugely improve community infrastructure on the island.  In line with other modern schools in our area they can deliver wider benefits outside the school day including further education, leisure, clubs, cultural events, gyms, bookable rooms and high quality business space

The project brief, concept design and outline business case activities will take place during 2025, aiming for Outline Business Case approval by the end of 2025. That is the next decision gateway point where the Council will review the updated case and confirm whether they are content to move to Full Business Case development.

The Full Business Case, including more detailed proposals for the campus and costs will be considered again by councillors in late 2026 and approval would allow the campus to move to construction phase. These timescales are estimates at this early stage and will be reviewed as the project moves forward, with the community being kept updated of any significant changes.

Image

You can read answers to the Frequently Asked Questions here

In 2022, a series of pre-engagement events were held in the local community prior to submitting the bid to the Scottish Government for LEIP funding for a new Mull Campus.

You can see the feedback from the engagement events here - Mull Campus - pre-engagement

You can also see a copy of the submission to the Scottish Government for LEIP funding. This bid was successful, with Argyll and Bute Council confirmed as one of only 10 successful projects across Scotland to share in the £450m to £500million pounds of funding available - find about more about our successful bid in our press release - A new campus on Mull a step closer (30th October 2023)

Mull Campus Project - Preferred Site report files

Preferred Site Recommendation 

Appendix 1

Site Analysis Report

Appendix 2

Site Selection Scoring Session 2

Appendix A

Engagement Report

Appendix B

Long-list

Appendix C

Short-list Plans

Appendix D

• Existing Utilities Infrastructure - Craignure
• Existing Utilities Infrastructure - Existing School
• Existing Utilities Infrastructure - Garmony
• Existing Utilities Infrastructure - South Tobermory

Appendix E

Waterman Geotech

Appendix F

Flooding and Drainage Report

Appendix G

Place Diagrams

Appendix H

Transport Review

Appendix K

Integrated Impact Assessment Report

Documents on this page may not be fully accessible for people using assistive technology. If you require these documents in an alternative format, please contact mull.campus@argyll-bute.gov.uk 

The call for sites period has now closed. Thank you to all those who came forward with suggestions of possible sites. Potentially suitable sites were assessed against a range of criteria to determine the recommended site for the new 2-18 campus on Mull.

• Mull Campus Project - Preferred site report files

The final decision on the preferred site was made by council members on 7th March 2025,  who took account of the outcome of the site assessment process, community feedback received during the engagement period, and a detailed transport assessment.

• Next step forward for new Campus for Mull (news release, 7th March 2025)