This would mean the demolition of the Springfield South building along with relocation of the Comhairle's portacabin annex and car park.

After consideration of the choices in front of them, councillors at last week's Education Committee agreed that the construction of a new build school on Springfield Road would be the preferred plan.

There are still planning concerns due to the site's proximity to the gas works on Sandwick Road, however this option is considered to be the cheapest and most practical.

A supplementary report before members stated that although the plan to build a new school at Goathill Farm may have been more 'aesthetically and environmentally' attractive, a development on the Springfield Road campus could match this potential and would mean they would not have to build new sports facilities.

Citing some of the advantages of this option, the report states: "The Comhairle already owns the site; there would therefore be virtually no possibility of a delay to programme or increase in cost due to land acquisition problems. The site is already well-serviced by existing utilities infrastructures such as electricity, water, gas, telecoms and drainage, as well as footpaths and roads."

They add that there are unlikely to be any unknown ground conditions as the site has already been developed. This will also allow easy access to the sports facilities already in place.

"With the significant exception of issues in relation to the major hazard planning zone with technical and statutory evaluations point to Option 6 as being the preferred option for the development of a new Nicolson Institute. The financial analysis, whilst not yet complete, indicates that a development on the Springfield Road site is likely to be the cheapest option. Subject to confirmation of this and in the context of affordability and the challenges this presents to the Comhairle as a whole, this alsosupports Option 6."

Further investigation will now take place to explore this option further.