There is very little information on the actual building of the Industrial School. Some correspondence about the source of fresh water for it has survived.  It was decided that the main supply should be drawn from a small loch in the Brocky area about a mile to the west of the School.  The contractors, Collen Bros, sent in a price and specification for piping water from this source:

QUOTE FOR WATER SUPPLY TO SCHOOL

We propose to excavate for and provide and lay a 2” cast iron water pipe, weight about 2 quarters, to 6 feet in length, joints made with lead and well caulked with Dr Smith’s solution, from Lake to Building. Also provide and fix on same 2 sluice valves, 2 keys for same, 2 rose heads and 3 air valves, all fitted complete.  Also excavate for and build a filter chamber, size 10’ by 6’ by about 6’ in clear, bottom 12” thick, division wall 12” thick, all in good concrete, top to have four railway bars across it, and form 2 manholes in same with galvanised covers.  Also 3 fine gratings in division wall and fill chambers with suitable gravel as filter, all complete, protect rose heads in lake by posts driven in stones, &c.  All for the sum of £300.0.0, say three hundred pounds. (RDA 11 May 1895).

As the pipe had to be laid through several fields, the owners, John McAdora, Ann Kelly and her son John; and John McIntyre were approached and gave their official permission. (RDA 29 July 1895). Again, solicitor Maguire had to be called in to oversee the signing of documentation for the permissions.  The reason for all the red tape was that the contractor had begun digging for the water pipe on John McIntyre’s land without asking his permission, and McIntyre had objected, so Maguire had to go through all the correct procedures.