About Beauly Primary School
Beauly Primary School is a small Highland community school located on Croyard Road in Beauly (Inverness IV4 7DJ) (www.highland.gov.uk ). It serves primary pupils (P1–P7, roughly ages 5–12) and has an attached nursery for 3–4 year olds. The Highland Council describes it as “a lively happy school that values achievement and celebrates the success of its pupils” (www.highland.gov.uk ), with committed teachers and a supportive Parent Council. The school is modest – there are about six mainstream classrooms (including composite-age classes) (www.highland.gov.uk ). In total it has roughly 110–120 pupils (around 113 as of the latest report) and about 20 in the nursery (www.highland.gov.uk ). The current building dates from the late 19th century (www.highland.gov.uk ), giving it a traditional stone-school character (with a newer nursery extension added). This historic building is well-loved but aging, which is why Highland Council has approved funds for a replacement school by 2028 (www.highland.gov.uk ). The school sits amid the scenic village of Beauly (famous for its old priory), making it a picturesque local landmark with strong community ties.
Events and Programming
Beauly Primary isn’t a commercial venue but still hosts a variety of community-oriented events. Most activities are school-run: for example, pupils may put on Christmas concerts, nativity plays or spring assemblies for parents. The gym hall and classrooms can also be hired by local groups. A recent example is a sports-themed after-school club taster held in June 2025 – the organisers used the school hall to run Zorbing, Nerf wars, team games and crafts for P1–P7 children (www.ticketfairy.com ). Meanwhile, the adjacent Braeview Park playing fields (just a short walk from the school) host larger events. For instance, the annual North of Scotland Primary Girls Shinty Tournament was held at Braeview Park in April 2025, with teams from all over the Highlands (shinty.com ). In general, events at Beauly Primary have a village feel: they are usually free or charge a very small donation, and they feature local talent (staff, pupils and community groups) rather than touring stars. The Parent Council often helps organise fundraisers (bake sales, fairs, etc.), and ticket prices (if any) tend to be nominal. Visitors will find typical school functions – sports days, school fairs, Scolar’s shows – rather than late-night gigs or professional theatre.
Tickets and Booking
There is no formal box office or online ticketing for Beauly Primary. Most school events are free admission. If an event does require payment (for example, a fundraising ceilidh or gala), any tickets would be sold directly through the school or Parent Council. Typically, parents buy or reserve tickets via the school office, or simply pay at the door. Announcements are made through the school’s newsletter, bulletin board or word-of-mouth. There are no external ticket outlets or presales to worry about – just coordinate with the school. In short, plan on local arrangements (phone or email the school, or send money with your child) rather than a public ticket website.
Seating and Layout
The main venue inside Beauly Primary is the gymnasium/multi-purpose hall. This is a flat, open space with portable chairs and benches that can be arranged as needed (there is no fixed theatre seating or balcony). For a concert or play, chairs are set up facing the front wall which serves as an impromptu stage area. Because the hall has a high ceiling, sound can echo – you’ll hear best sitting near the front-center. In fact, the hall is large enough for very active use: as noted above, a children’s sports club ran Nerf and Zorbing activities all around the hall (www.ticketfairy.com ). For seated events, aim to sit in the front few rows (there are no “bad” seats as long as you can see the front). There are no VIP or reserved sections – all seating is general admission. (The school also has smaller classrooms and an assembly space which might be used for very small performances, but the hall is the usual event space.)
Getting There and Parking
Beauly Primary is on Croyard Road in the heart of Beauly village (postcode IV4 7DJ) (www.highland.gov.uk ). By car, take the A862 through Beauly; the school entrance is on the right after you pass the village square. On-site parking is minimal – in fact Highland Council built two new footpaths linking the Braeview car park to the school entrance to encourage drop-off there and reduce congestion (www.highland.gov.uk ). Visitors should therefore use Braeview Car Park (Station Road, next to Phipps Hall) as a drop-off/parking spot and walk the few minutes along the path to the school. Street parking is available in Beauly, but spaces fill quickly in the mornings.
Public transport options are good for a rural village. Beauly railway station (on Station Road) is only a quick walk away. ScotRail trains run roughly once per hour to Inverness from Beauly (www.scotrail.co.uk ), making a trip from Inverness or south relatively easy. Buses also serve Beauly – for example, the hourly D-E Coaches service 307 connects Inverness and Beauly, stopping in the village on Station Road and The Square. From the bus stops it’s just a short walk to Croyard Road. (Tip: some online maps may list trains or buses to “Dingwall” or “Kiltarlity,” but make sure it stops at Beauly.) For drop-offs, note that mainstream taxi apps may not cover this small village, although pre-booked Inverness taxis will come out. If driving, be prepared for a short lane on Croyard Road – but overall the journey is scenic and straightforward, with clear signposts to Beauly.
Inside the Venue
Visitors enter through the main school doors and quickly experience the feel of a village primary. The foyer or reception area is simple – usually a labeled signing-in desk (in line with UK school safety rules) where visitors write names and wait for a badge. Hallways are lined with pupil artwork and school projects. You might be asked to leave large bags or outdoor shoes by reception (common in schools to keep the building clean). The atmosphere is informal and friendly – teachers are often there to greet attendees. For events, a staff member or pupil may guide you to the gym hall or assembly room, and volunteers might be at the door to assist.
Facilities inside include restrooms (toilets and sinks) which visitors can use during events. There is no public cafe or vending machine – only the student dining hall, which serves lunches during school hours. Some school functions might have a small refreshment stand (for example, home-baked tea items run by parents at a fair), but you should not rely on on-site food service for a public event. It’s wise to bring a reusable water bottle or light snack if needed. There is a coat rack or hook area in the hall for hanging outerwear (no formal coat check, so keep your valuables with you).
Technology and connectivity are basic. The school’s Wi-Fi will not generally be available to visitors, so plan to use mobile data. In 2023 the Highland Council noted that the school’s ageing buildings lack modern wiring; any PA or sound system is likely just a simple plug-in speaker (check ahead if you need audio gear). Mobile reception in Beauly is usually okay (4G), but if your mobile shuts to 3G or “no signal” near the old building, a quick step outside might help.
Security: Beauly Primary enforces a strict no-smoking/no-vaping policy on the premises, and no alcohol is allowed. (This is Scotland law on school grounds.) Dogs or pets are not permitted except assistance animals. For safety, you should keep an eye on children – though any official event should have staff supervisors. If an emergency occurs (fire alarm, etc.), the school staff will manage evacuation in a practiced routine. Otherwise, just enjoy the warm, informal school atmosphere and respect the request to follow any instructions the teachers or parent volunteers give during the event.
Nearby Amenities
Beauly village offers a few nice spots for food and drink before or after an event. The closest places are in walking distance of the school’s front gate. Corner on the Square (right by the village centre) is a well-known pizza-and-café bar serving breakfasts, coffee and casual meals – it’s family-friendly and popular for pasta, burgers and wood-fired pizza. A short stroll away is Café Biagiotti, an Italian-style café with focaccia toasties, salads, cakes and good espresso (great for a light lunch or coffee). The Old School Beauly is actually a gift shop next door that also has a small coffee counter inside with pastries. For something heartier, the Priory Hotel (a few minutes’ walk on Station Road) has a full restaurant and bar menu – try local Highland cuisine there. On busy school event days, it’s wise to make reservations if you want a table at any of these places, since Beauly fills up quickly.
If you need overnight lodging, Beauly has a few B&Bs and inns. The Priory Hotel offers guest rooms, and Ornum House is a quaint bed-and-breakfast nearby. There are also self-catering cottages in the area. Many visitors choose to stay in Inverness (a 20-minute drive) and branch out; the Highlands offer countless hotels and guest houses.
Plan to arrive early for events – at least 10–15 minutes before start. That way you can find parking and settle in before it gets busy. Since Beauly is a small village, note that public transport (bus) frequency drops off by late evening. If an event runs late or outside school hours, it’s safest to arrange a lift or taxi (the Inverness/Beauly taxi number is 01463-245555, for example). On event nights, local residents often park at Braeview and use the footpath, so it’s respectful to avoid double-parking near the school entrance. Lastly, remember this is a school – so late-night parties and such do not occur; events usually wrap up by early evening, once the children have gone home.
What Makes This Venue Special
Beauly Primary’s charm lies in its intimate, community-oriented character rather than any high-tech flashy bells and whistles. It is physically a century-old Highland village school (the main stone building dates from the late 1800s (www.highland.gov.uk )), so it carries a bit of local history in its walls. Many villagers have personal memories here – it’s not unusual for parents and even grandparents to have attended the same school. The school’s location is also special: the building sits near the ruins of Beauly Priory and in the base of a scenic Highland glen, so even routine view out the window is quite lovely.
Culturally, Beauly Primary is an anchor of the village. The headteacher and staff emphasize partnership with the community (www.highland.gov.uk ), and pupils frequently engage locals (for example, in 2022 students spread festive cheer by delivering Christmas hampers to villagers (www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk )). Parents are notably proud – in 2022 local media reported them campaigning with homemade signs for a new school building (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ), even quoting, “We cannot continue to send them in to be educated in dilapidated buildings” (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ). That demonstration of community support shows how much the school matters. The downside for visitors is that the school infrastructure is dated (parents have complained about cold dining halls and fallen ceilings (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ) (www.inverness-courier.co.uk )), but on the upside that means meetings and shows here have an old-school warmth.
Performers and visitors often comment on how friendly and inclusive Beauly feels. There’s a bit of Highland whimsy; for example, if it’s a traditional concert, the hall might occasionally ring with a spontaneous rendition of “Flower of Scotland.” If it’s Burns Night or Seann Truibhas events, audience members might even be persuaded to join in Highland dancing or sing-along choruses. In short, Beauly Primary is special for its heart – it’s beloved by locals as “the village school” and artists appreciate its storybook charm. Nothing is more unique than the school’s pure role as a focal point of a tiny community. (After all, even Highland Councillors note that a new “community school” is the plan – meaning it’s meant to serve not just pupils but the whole village in future (www.highland.gov.uk ).)
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The current Beauly Primary building is older and not fully wheelchair-friendly. There are steps at some entrances and around classrooms. If you have mobility needs, plan ahead by contacting the school for advice. (Future plans promise a new fully accessible building.) Bring: Dress in layers. Highland weather can be cold and rainy, and the school’s heating has been known to be weak – in fact, reports noted pupils wearing coats inside at lunch (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ). Comfortable, non-slip footwear is wise, especially for sports events. A water bottle and snack are recommended since there’s no public canteen. For kids’ events, pack any essentials (snacks, tissues, small toys).
Arrival: Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early, since check-in/sign-in is required. Enter through the main door unless told otherwise. You’ll likely sign a visitors book and wear a badge. The school enforces a strict no-smoking/no-vaping rule on-site. Pets (other than guide dogs) are not allowed anywhere on school grounds.
Common Mistakes: Don’t try to drop off at the front gate – use Braeview Car Park (www.highland.gov.uk ) as advised, or you’ll block the road. Don’t expect a cloakroom or coat check. Large bags are usually not searched (this isn’t Disneyland) but keep valuables with you. Mobile signal can dip in corners of the old building. Don’t arrive at the very last minute – it’s a small community school, not a busy arena.
Family-Friendly: This is a primary school – all events are child-friendly. Children can (and should) come with families. There is generally no adult-only section – families sit together. Respect that it’s a school environment: no alcohol, no rude behavior. Feel free to clap and support the kids. Feel free to ask teachers for help if needed. Visiting performers and artists find audiences here warm and encouraging.
With these tips, visiting Beauly Primary will be smooth: arrive prepared for basic conditions, and you’ll be greeted by great Highland hospitality and the unique charm of a village school.
What is the address of Beauly Primary School?
Beauly Primary School is located on Croyard Road in the village of Beauly (Inverness-shire), postcode IV4 7DJ (www.highland.gov.uk ). The school sits just off the A862 main road through Beauly. You can easily walk to it from the village centre (The Square) in a few minutes.
How can I travel to Beauly Primary School by public transport?
Beauly has both train and bus links. Be aware that Beauly railway station is only about a 7–10 minute walk from the school. ScotRail runs roughly hourly trains between Beauly and Inverness (www.scotrail.co.uk ), so you can catch a train from Inverness Central and get off at Beauly Station (Station Road). Local bus services also stop in Beauly, for example the D&E Coaches route 307 connects Inverness and Beauly several times a day. Buses drop off at Beauly Square or near the Co-op; from there it’s a short walk uphill to Croyard Road.
Is there parking available for Beauly Primary School?
Parking right at the school is very limited. The Highland Council actually designated the nearby Braeview Car Park (Station Road) as the official drop-off point (www.highland.gov.uk ). So most visitors drive to Braeview, park there, and use the pedestrian path to reach the school. Street parking in the village is possible (near The Square or side streets) but spaces are few during school hours. In short, plan on using Braeview Car Park and walking about 2–3 minutes to avoid traffic jams on Croyard Road (www.highland.gov.uk ).
Are tickets required for events at Beauly Primary School?
Generally no. Most events at Beauly Primary (such as school plays, concerts, sports days) are free to attend. If any ticket or voluntary donation is needed, details would be communicated by the school usually to parents and community members. There is no online ticket office – organizers (usually the school office or Parent Council) handle any fees directly. In practice, assume events are open and low-cost, and any payment is arranged in person.
How do I find out about upcoming events at Beauly Primary?
Event information is typically spread through the school’s usual channels. Look for announcements on the school’s noticeboard, newsletters, or local community bulletins. Sometimes events are advertised in the local parish or community Facebook groups. There’s no public ticket website for Beauly Primary. If you are a parent or local resident, you might receive details via school communications. Otherwise, checking local press or asking a school contact is the way to know when a concert, fair or open day is happening.
What types of events are held at Beauly Primary School?
Typical events include pupil performances (like Christmas or summer concerts), school sports days, classroom open-evenings, and seasonal fairs. The hall is also used by outside groups for youth activities (for example, local sports clubs have run after-school sessions in the gym (www.ticketfairy.com )). Sports tournaments occasionally take place on the adjacent Braeview Park fields (e.g. a primary school shinty competition (shinty.com )). In short, expect educational and community events – school shows, fundraisers, sports – rather than commercial concerts or festivals.
What should I expect when I enter Beauly Primary for an event?
When visiting, you’ll enter through the main school door and likely be asked to sign in with the school receptionist. Staff or older pupils often greet visitors. You’ll move down a corridor decorated with students’ work to reach the gym hall or assembly area. Dress is casual. There’s typically a coat rack or peg area in the hall (so no formal cloakroom). Seating is just arranged folding chairs. The atmosphere is friendly and informal. You won’t see a paid bar or concession stand – sometimes there’s a refreshment table run by volunteers. Remember, it’s a school: keep noise down during assemblies and treat it respectfully like you would any school visit.
Is Beauly Primary School wheelchair accessible?
Currently, the old school building is not fully wheelchair-friendly. Some doorways may have small steps or narrow passages, and the playground areas have slight level changes. There is likely a ramp at one entrance but movement inside can be limited. Visitors with mobility needs should contact the school ahead of time to plan admission. (Note: the planned new school campus, scheduled for completion by 2028 (www.highland.gov.uk ), will be purpose-built for full accessibility.) Service animals are usually welcome.
Can I bring food or drink to an event at Beauly Primary?
Outside food and drink are generally discouraged due to school policy. You may carry a water bottle or non-disruptive snack for personal use, but you won't find a public café inside. Some events (like a school fair) might offer cakes or a tea stall run by parents, but don’t count on it. Certainly do not bring alcohol or hot food that requires heating – the site is completely non-smoking and no alcohol is allowed. If it’s a long event, plan ahead for water and any needed munchies yourself.
Are children of all ages allowed at Beauly Primary events?
Yes. All events at the school are family-friendly. Since it’s a primary school, most programs involve young children, but parents and younger siblings are welcome. There is no age cap – families, relatives and friends of students all attend. That said, an adult should accompany any preschool-age child. You will see attendees from toddlers up through grandparents. The venue isn’t suitable for very young infants sleeping in strollers (it’s not outside, and forks or small parts might be around), so plan accordingly.
What are the best seats for viewing a performance?
Arrive early and choose front-center if possible. The gym hall is fairly shallow, so even the back row isn’t far from the performers, but sitting closer improves visibility and hearing (the hall’s acoustics can echo). There are no numbered or VIP seats – seating is general admission. If it’s a full house, people often stand at the back or sides. For special needs (limited standing), it’s polite to ask event staff to save an aisle seat for you.
Are restrooms available for visitors?
Yes, restrooms are inside the school. After you sign in, staff can direct you to the nearest toilets. The facilities are standard school restrooms (with sinks and toilets). There should be at least one accessible/disabled toilet. For families, know that the restrooms are not spacious change rooms – there’s likely a small children’s toilet area and adult-sized stalls. No public baby-changing room is advertised, but staff will help if needed (the nursery has changing facilities too, but those are for enrolled kids only).
What is the seating capacity of the school hall?
No official number is published. As a gauge, the current pupil roll is about 120–130 (www.highland.gov.uk ), and the hall is designed to fit roughly that many along with staff. So you can safely assume around 120–150 people can be seated (plus maybe more if standing). In practice, events are often filled by the whole school plus family members, so capacity is limited in that range. For big events, tickets (if used) may be restricted to avoid overcrowding.
Do events at Beauly Primary charge an admission fee?
As mentioned, most are free. If you hear of an admission charge, it’s usually because the event is a fundraiser (for example a charity ceilidh or performance night). In those cases, any fee is just to cover costs or raise money for the school. This would have been mentioned in the event publicity. There is never an expensive or mandatory fee – typical donations (if any) might be £1–£3 or pay-at-door entry.
Can I take photos or videos during a school event?
Photography is usually restricted at primary school events. Out of respect and for privacy, schools generally do not allow random filming of children without consent. If you want to record, ask a teacher or organiser first. Many performances allow one camera/tablet for personal use (often from the back row) but some do not. Assume that flash photography is a no-no (it distracts performers), and that unauthorized social media sharing of students is discouraged. In short, ask permission if you want to take pictures – camera use is not guaranteed.
Are Beauly Primary School events held indoors or outdoors?
Most events are indoors in the **gym hall** or in classrooms. These include concerts, plays, assemblies, meetings – basically anything on a school calendar except sports. Outdoor events (like sports day or playground activities) use the field at Braeview Park next to the school. If bad weather is forecast, events will typically move inside or be rescheduled (sportiness will continue in the gym if games were planned). Always check event notices – indoor venues are used unless otherwise advertised.
What time do events at Beauly Primary School usually start?
There is no fixed schedule – it depends on the event. Generally, school concerts or shows tend to start in the late afternoon or early evening (often around 6–7pm on a weekday or a weekend), so that parents can attend after work. Sports or daytime events might happen during a school day (10am–3pm). Specific start times are always provided by the school when announcing the event. As a rule, plan to arrive 10–15 minutes before the stated start time to find your seat. Events typically last 1–2 hours and are designed to finish at a sensible time for children.
Is there a coat check or bag check inside the venue?
There is no formal coat check room. Usually, for smaller events the audience will hang coats on wall pegs or leave them under chairs. For larger events, volunteers may stack coats or put them on benches in the hall. Bag security is very minimal (this isn’t an arena); however, attendees should expect that large bags may be briefly checked by staff at the door during big gatherings (per normal school safety practice). In summary, keep valuables with you and use common sense.
Can visitors bring their pets to the school?
No – pets are not allowed on school premises (both health and safety reasons). The only exception is assistance animals for people with disabilities, which are permitted by law. If you do have a service dog, notify the school ahead of time. Otherwise, make arrangements for any pets to stay at home or in your car.
Why is Beauly Primary School historically important?
Beauly Primary’s original schoolhouse was built in the late 1800s (www.highland.gov.uk ), so it has served generations of local families. It’s woven into the village’s history (just as Beauly Priory is for the town). Highland Council reports suggest the old facilities are now challenging, which is why parents have campaigned publicly for a new school building (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ) (www.inverness-courier.co.uk ). Those efforts – and the building’s age – underline the school’s heritage. It’s not a listed landmark, but its longevity and role in the community make it culturally significant to Beauly. Visitors can appreciate it as a living historic institution of the Highlands.
