FIFE COUNCIL will speak to Shepherd Offshore about buying 25 acres of land at Halbeath for two new high schools.

After deciding that replacements for St Columba's and Woodmill should be built at the old Hyundai site, on a joint campus with Fife College, they'll now discuss terms with the company.

A recent report put the cost of the schools component of the plan at £90 million, the college's original proposals for their own site were estimated at £92m, but there will be savings now they're planning to share.

The council is also looking at the sites they're leaving, with the college's current buildings off Halbeath Road and the two high schools either side of Woodmill Road likely to be demolished and replaced by housing, adding that "large-scale retail is unlikely to be supported".

The college bought 25 acres in November last year and a report by Ken Gourlay, head of assets, transportation and environment, said the council aims to buy a further 25 acres for the schools.

He said: "Preliminary discussions with Shepherd Offshore Ltd have taken place and there is a willingness to dispose of the site to the council.

"The terms are still subject to negotiation and agreement.

"As the college has now acquired ownership of their site, it is proposed the council should seek to secure control of the additional land by way of an option agreement which will be conditional on planning permission and agreement from all parties to the final business case for the project.

"In parallel, discussions will take place with the college in respect of the technical, operational and educational aspects of the campus, to ensure synergies are secured, efficiencies maximised and educational opportunities capitalised."

A meeting of the policy and co-ordination committee on Thursday was set to discuss, in private, commercial terms relating to the deal which would see the college and both schools "retain their individual identities".

Mr Gourlay's report said: "The co-location with the college could enable the development of new learning opportunities for students aged 15-plus, enabling young people to access courses and wider experiences than would be possible on a single campus.

"The remaining Shepherd Offshore site extends to over 25 acres and is one of the few areas of land in the West Fife area that could accommodate two new high schools.

"Together with the proposed college development site, the remaining land, if secured, would provide the opportunity to create a joint campus."

Shepherds have planning permission in principle for a mixed use development with areas for employment, housing and education.

They have cleared the majority of the site and, as part of the terms agreed with the college, began the demolition of the former office building recently.

On the residential side, Persimmon Homes and Bellway were given the go-ahead to build 181 houses and 44 flats but the additional land needed for the joint campus is currently allocated for employment.

Mr Gourlay said the employment land would need to be "replaced/financed elsewhere" and a traffic management scheme drawn up.

He also wants the college and schools to be "iconic buildings with sustainability and energy specifications at a high level".