New high school officially opened

Mr Swinney, who is also the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening of Baldragon Academy.

Pupils heralded the official opening with a musical performance as part of an hour-long ceremony.

Completion of the new school finalises an educational campus for the area including the £8.1 million replacement for Sidlaw View Primary School and Jessie Porter Nursery.

Baldragon Academy, which cost £27.8m to build, opened its doors in February this year.

Staff and pupils transferred over from the old Baldragon complex at Burn Street.

Mr Swinney said he was “delighted” to be at the event, adding: “The excellent partnership working with Dundee City Council, the Scottish Government and Scottish Futures Trust has enabled pupils attending Baldragon Academy to be transferred into state-of-the-art accommodation.”

Gregor Murray, city council children and families service convener said: “This impressive replacement for Baldragon Academy shows how we are investing for the future of our young people through an ambitious building programme.

“The new school is providing state-ofthe-art facilities to meet the challenges that our pupils will face in the years ahead.

“The new academy, along with the nursery and primary schools, is a major enhancement of learning and teaching facilities in Dundee.

“This campus will provide an inspirational learning environment for pupils ranging in age from nursery children to young people preparing to leave school to take up new opportunities.”

The project was led by hub East Central Scotland in partnership with Dundee City Council, Scottish Futures Trust and Robertson.

Gary Bushnell, chief executive at hub East Central Scotland, said: “We are proud to have managed the successful delivery of the project from initial design to completion and it’s great to see staff and pupils enjoying their new school.” Ourvoice

DUNDEE’S newest secondary school has been officially opened by Deputy First Minister, John Swinney.

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