It's now official as Fife Council have rubber-stamped the relocation of Inverkeithing High to Rosyth.

A new £85 million school – and we still don't know what it will be called – will be built at the Fleet Grounds and open in August 2026.

The cabinet committee formally agreed the move yesterday (Thursday) which will see modern and "state-of-the-art" facilities replace the current "crumbling" 50-year-old buildings.

After sifting through an 180 page report, council leader David Ross said: "In summary the conclusion is that although there have been some objections to the relocation you think it's still absolutely justified in terms of relocation to that site and there is no reason in educational or other terms not to go ahead with that decision which we took some time ago?"

Shelagh McLean, head of education and children's services replied: "Absolutely.

"In terms of the educational benefit that will be developed as a result of the relocation of the school and the opportunities it will provide for our young people across those communities, we don't believe there was anything that came out of the consultation that would suggest that we shouldn't move forward with it."

Dunfermline Press: There was overwhelming support for a new school to replace Inverkeithing High, but there were some objections to the site in Rosyth.There was overwhelming support for a new school to replace Inverkeithing High, but there were some objections to the site in Rosyth. (Image: Newsquest)

While she told the committee there was "overwhelming" support for a new school, 141 out of the 216 responses to the public consultation were against the relocation to the Fleet Grounds.

Concerns raised included road safety, traffic congestion, 'dangerous' walking routes, the possible loss of the swimming pool and community-use facilities in Inverkeithing, impact on local businesses and longer journeys.

Ms McLean said: "We understand the concerns that were raised.

"We can address those and we will work and do everything we can to mitigate those concerns.

"We received 216 responses, we have over 3,000 families in the areas covered by the schools which suggest that we have really heard any concerns and those who are comfortable with the proposal have not felt the need to submit a response."

Opened in 1973, Inverkeithing High is currently rated the worst secondary in Fife for accessibility and its condition is classed as C, as it has "major defects".

The new school will accommodate a maximum of 1,735 pupils and 152 staff on a 16,305 square metre site that will include community-use facilities – but not a swimming pool – as well as grass and astroturf sports pitches, landscaping, floodlighting, parking and footpaths.

The latest digital technology will enhance learning opportunities and the building itself will be built to Passivhaus standards for energy efficiency.

The council's education spokesperson, Cllr Cara Hilton, said: "The relocation of Inverkeithing High School will provide us with the opportunity to create a state of the art, new facility for learning and teaching in South West Fife."