Press Release

Balfour Beatty awarded £83 million contract to build new Forres Academy in Moray, Scotland

28 May 2026

UK

Balfour Beatty today announces that it has been awarded an £83 million contract by Hub North Scotland to construct the new Forres Academy school in Moray, Scotland, on behalf of Moray Council 

Through the contract, the company will be responsible for the construction of the new 12,143 square metre secondary school campus which will include facilities such as a new 3G artificial grass sports pitch and car park.  

The new facility, which will be delivered in line with the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme Phase 3 criteria, will replace the existing school and accommodate 1,120 students - marking a significant investment in the local area. On completion, the school will provide a modern, high-quality, energy efficient and sustainable learning environment for students, staff and the wider community, designed to meet the needs of future generations. 

This latest contract award follows a history of successful delivery for Moray Council, having completed the construction of Elgin High School, Lossiemouth High School and Linkwood Primary School. 

Nick Rowan, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Scottish business, said: “At Balfour Beatty, we are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with hub North Scotland and Moray Council with the delivery of the new Forres Academy.

“Building on our experience in delivering high-quality educational facilities across Scotland, we look forward to creating a modern, sustainable learning environment that will benefit students and the wider community for years to come.” 

Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, said: “This will be a fantastic facility for Forres when it is completed. We already have an excellent track record with Balfour Beatty in delivering new schools for Moray Council at Elgin High School, Lossiemouth High School, and Linkwood Primary School in Elgin. 

“This Forres development will be more than just constructing a new building – there will also be a significant legacy through the training and employment opportunities it will create along with the community benefits work that will be carried out.” 

Works are due to commence imminently, with completion scheduled in 2029.  

ENDS

Image: CGI of the New Forres Academy

Mohsin Sufi

Senior Media and PR Executive