[2][3][4] In the early 20th century, Millicent Leveson-Gower, Duchess of Sutherland decided to commission a technical school for the education of the sons of local crofters.

[5] It was designed by John More Dick Peddie and George Washington Browne in the Renaissance Revival style, built in rubble masonry and was officially opened on 3 October 1904.

The main frontage incorporated a three-bay central section which was slightly projected forward and featured a doorway with an architrave surmounted by a panel inscribed with the words "Let there be light".

On the first floor, there was a central window flanked by Doric order pilasters supporting an entablature inscribed "MFS 1903" which was surmounted by a round headed hood mould.

[11] The works, which included external repairs, the refurbishment of the interior and the landscaping of the site, were carried out by Morrison Construction at a cost of £3.5 million to a design by Colin Armstrong Associates.