Published: Friday, 25th April, 2008 09:00
Nationwide first as high school to lead the way with housing project
By Ally McGilvray
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A Muir Homes house similar to the one that could be used at Peebles High School.
CHILDREN usually can’t wait to get home from school; But, in Peebles, pupils are planning to move in.
The Peeblesshire News has learned that Fife-based developer Muir Homes is to build a house at Peebles High School which is to be used as an education tool.
It will be kitted out by the pupils and is designed to teach children vital skills, such as joinery, carpentry, plastering and plumbing.
With a shortage of workers entering the skilled trades and the area at the centre of a housing boom, leading experts have praised the innovative project – believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland.
Muir Homes managing director Gordon Urquhart said: “We are absolutely delighted to be involved with this project and will donate the timber shell of one of our housetypes which can be used by the school to create workshop facilities for many useful trades.
“As a company we are committed to supporting young people learn trades and operate a very successful apprenticeship scheme.
“It is encouraging to see children at secondary school level wanting to explore this area now and I am sure it will stand them in good stead in the future.”
The Guild of Master Craftsmen, which encourages more people to enter the skilled trades and crafts, pointed out more skilled workers were needed if the country is to continue to develop.
Marketing manager Richard Walsh told the Peeblesshire News: “I think this is a great idea. I have never heard of anything like this before.
“There is always a shortage of crafts people - especially carpenters, joiners and tilers - so anything that can be done to promote that can only be good for the trades.
“More properties are being built across the area and a lot of builders and plumbers, for example, are being drafted in from other countries so there is obviously a need for more skilled workers.
“It is good for children to get hands on experience when they are at school and this may encourage more to go on to hone these skills at college or join an apprenticeship.”
And he added: “It’s great that Muir Homes has the confidence in the children to donate the house.”
Plans for the new house at Peebles High School have still to be approved but, it is anticipated, moves will be made to be lodge a planning application with Scottish Borders Council later in the year.
A Peebles High School spokesperson said: “We are still in talks about this project and we can’t really comment until we have notified our neighbours or else they would be up in arms.”
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