Scottish Catholic Observer

The school is on a joint campus with Caol Primary school and Bishop McGee and Duncan Shearer, the former Aberdeen footballer, who attended the school, unveiled a commemorative opening plaque after both gave inspiring speeches to the pupils and guests.

“I wish to congratulate the staff and pupils of St Columba’s RC Primary School on their new joint school campus,” Bishop McGee said.

“This is not the first St Columba’s Primary School in Lochaber. The original St Columba’s Primary was opened at Lochyside in 1964, and so it is very fitting that the new school has the same name.

“St Columba was well known as a missionary in Scotland, a man of great Faith and learning. Education was very important to him, and the monastery at Iona became a great light for the people of Scotland and Europe.”

“My wish is that St Columba’s Primary School at Caol will continue to be a strong community of Faith and learning, one where all children and staff can live their lives to the full and bring light to the wider community,” he added.

“I am delighted that St Columba’s Primary School is part of the new joint campus, and I wish every success and happiness for the future to the staff and pupils at both St Columba’s Primary School and Caol Primary School.”

Violet Smith, headteacher at St Columba’s, said: “The new campus provides a very bright, vibrant learning environment.

“We are extremely happy with the design of the building, as it offers a new, innovative approach to learning and teaching as well as inspiring spaces for social integration.

“There is a distinctive, positive ethos across the campus, and St Columba’s pupils and staff value the opportunity to work closely with the pupils and staff of Caol Primary School.”