Anderson High School Handed Over

The secondary school and associated halls of residence had to be inserted into a highly sensitive context which required careful consideration of the siting, external form and internal spaces of the building.

Originally founded in 1862, the new Anderson High School is one of the largest structures in Lerwick. A central atrium space and support spine is surrounded by a wrap of teaching spaces.  The majority of the classrooms are on an external façade, bringing natural light deep into the rooms.  The atrium space brings light down into the heart of the building and provides a social hub for the whole school.

Many pupils will spend the majority of term time staying in the halls of residence rather than returning home each week.  To provide a home away from home, the halls offer as many facilities to the pupils as possible beyond simply sleeping accommodation.  At ground floor there are a range of social rooms which vary in scale from large communal games rooms, to lounge sized television rooms, to individual study booths and music practice rooms, as well as additional support needs facilities and a dedicated weekend flat for visiting parents.

Chris Malcolm, architectural director at Ryder said “The new Anderson High School and Halls of Residence projects presented us with a significant architectural challenge – how to successfully integrate a four storey exemplar school design into an unspoiled iron age setting.  By drawing inspiration from the vernacular forms of the Shetland landscape, we hope we have created an architectural response sympathetic to this unique island setting.  It has been a real privilege to work on a project of such profound cultural significance to the people of Shetland.”

Mark Clarke, project director at Morrison said, “It was a pleasure working with Ryder building Anderson High School and its halls of residence, it being the most northerly high school in the UK.  Ryder were a committed and user friendly partner who listened to feedback and, where they could, took supportive action without compromising the quality of two magnificent buildings that will be a testament to all involved for decades to come.”

Commenting on the success of the new building, Helen Budge, Shetland Islands Council said, “I am absolutely delighted with the end result and the public of Shetland have been very positive during the two open days we had before Christmas.  The staff are finding it a much better environment to work in and the pupils are enjoying the spaces.  The feeling of space and light in the building is wonderful and as the building absorbs the movement of pupils so there is a real sense of calm and tranquillity within it.  It is truly fantastic.”

The school is an addition to the impressive Ryder portfolio for Hub North Scotland as part of the Scottish Schools for the Future Programme (SFT), with existing completed projects including the award winning Wick Community Campus and Kirn Primary School.