Council questioned on why it did not consider free land for Mull Campus

Islanders felt this was a misrepresentation of what was on the table. 

The Oban Times took those concerns to the council.

A spokesperson responded: "During the site selection process the owners of the shortlisted sites were asked to provide an indicative price, however not all were comfortable in doing so at that stage. 

"An independent company provided a valuation report to the council to inform the site scoring exercise.

"Councillors considered the report as part of a confidential paper, due to commercial sensitivities.

"Whilst we appreciate the offer of land at Craignure, the offer came with conditions and would be subject to negotiation. 

"The council received the offer of a ‘gifted site’ at Craignure on February 26 after the final scoring exercise had completed and the information was made public."

Land acquisition is expected to be around 1 -1.5 per cent of the overall project cost and is just one of many factors officers considered. 

The Tobermory South Site was last purchased almost 20 years ago in 2007 for £540,000. 

The full cost of the project is estimated at £43 million. 

Other factors include education benefits, travel times and economic impact.

Looking at economic impact, in its official reasoning, the council cited that an extra £225,000 would be needed annually to transport all pupils to a central campus. However, the council currently spends much more than this - over £345,000 a year - to house Mull pupils at Glencruitten Hostel. 

In response, the council says it receives funding per pupil at the hostel to help cover the costs. 

The council spokesperson concluded: "We understand there are mixed views on the island, as reflected at last week’s council meeting with deputations made from those in favour of the preferred site and those against.

Our priority is to deliver an education service that will benefit Mull’s children and young people for generations to come.

"The new fully accessible replacement campus will feature high quality modern learning and teaching facilities.

"Pupils will benefit from a purpose built, fully accessible building with improved indoor and outdoor learning environments, enhanced digital access and specialist subject facilities.

"Along with the education benefits, travel and economic impact are all key factors we have taken into account.

"We are at serious risk of losing £43 million of LEIP funding if we do not progress with the project. If that happens, there will be no new education facility for children and young people on Mull.

"Despite misinformation out there, we are still at the very early stages working towards a business case to determine that the project is viable.

"Thank you to everyone for their ongoing feedback and support.”