Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Project Executive Board for the education and leisure elements of the  Barra and Vatersay Community Campus held its first meeting on 27 March 2025 to discuss the progress of the development.

The previous BVCC Project Board was stood down following Scottish Government’s decision to withdraw the hospital element of the Project for the duration of the current SG Capital Programme. Education and leisure facilities for Barra and Vatersay have been a standing item at the Comhairle’s Committees since 2023 and the time is now right to re-establish the Project Board to reflect the focus on education and leisure provision. The Comhairle remains wholly committed to the wider BVCC Project but equally recognises that the urgent need is for a new school and leisure facilities, the hospital provision having been postponed.

At the meeting the Board was given an update on ongoing discussions with Scottish Government in relation to all aspects of the Project but particularly the detailed options for a new school and leisure facilities. The Project Board reaffirmed the Comhairle’s commitment to deliver the project and highlighted the need for proactive work alongside Scottish Government colleagues, reflecting that the BVCC is the Comhairle’s priority capital project.

The Project Board membership includes the Comhairle’s political leadership, senior officials and Barra and Vatersay Members.

Cllr Paul Steele, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: 

“I was again left frustrated that the 2025/26 Scottish Government budget did not confirm funding for the Comhairle’s priority capital project, the Barra and Vatersay Community Campus or, at minimum, the education and leisure element which is so urgently required. The people of Barra and Vatersay desperately need new facilities and it is important that the Comhairle continues to push for the realisation of these proposals. The message from yesterday’s meeting is clear, this is a vital project that Scottish Government cannot further delay and must support the Comhairle to deliver."