Ten excited pupils from Lairdsland Primary in Kirkintilloch helped cut the first sod on the site of their brand new school on the banks of the Forth & Clyde canal.
Ably assisted by East Dunbartonshire Council Leader, Rhondda Geekie, the young people took part in the official event to mark the start of construction of the £7.7m school.
The award-winning design of the building is being used as a reference design for new primary schools across Scotland. It is receiving £2.5m funding through the Scotland’s School for the Future programme, managed by the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Councillor Geekie said: "We have a proud record of educational achievement here in East Dunbartonshire which we work hard to maintain and enhance. I am delighted that in these difficult financial times, the Council is able to deliver this £7.7m building with our partners for the families of Kirkintilloch. I am pleased to be working with Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) on behalf of the Scottish Government who are contributing £2.5m to the project.
“What we are building is a modern school, fit for the 21st century in which pupils and teachers can learn and thrive. The enthusiasm and excitement among the pupils is tangible and I am sure that the finished article will live up to their high expectations. The young people of East Dunbartonshire deserve the very best learning environments.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education Michael Russell added: “The Scottish Government is committed to delivering good quality, well designed, sustainable schools through the Schools for the Future programme.
“Lairdsland Primary School is an excellent example of this as East Dunbartonshire Council worked in collaboration with Scottish Futures Trust and Walters and Cohen Architects to ensure the design of the new school was innovative and value for money.
“It is also the first local authority to use a design that can be used across Scotland’s primary school estate as it can be modified dependent on local requirements and school rolls. We were pleased to award £2.5 million funding for the construction of the school and we are confident it will be a fantastic addition to the local community.”
Acting Headteacher, Fiona Donaghey, said: “The plans are very exciting and we can’t wait to see our school taking shape. The children have been involved in the project for a long time and for them to be at this event, to get things officially moving is wonderful.”
P1 pupil, Ava, can't wait to watch the school going up. She said: "I'm excited to see our new school especially the new classrooms and what our playground will look like. I'm delighted that I am getting to have a peek on site before the rest of my class but I will tell them all about it."
The existing traditional Victorian school opened in 1875 and will be replaced by a modern building with flexible indoor/outdoor learning areas and a multi-use games area.
Bill Matthews, Chairman at hub West Scotland, said: “As the Council’s development partner we are delighted that the construction works have commenced on this significant project. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Council through the delivery of this new school for the Lairdsland community.”
Gemma Boggs, Schools Programme Director at SFT said: “When this school opens, it will provide a modern, inspirational place for young people to learn. Importantly, all local authorities across Scotland have access to the two reference primary school designs which can be easily adapted for their own particular needs, saving money and time.”
The entire school community is looking forward to the move to the new building. Chairperson of the Parent Council, Janet Cross, said, “We are all delighted to see the building taking shape and we are excited to see the future of our children’s education in East Dunbartonshire moving forward.”
