New stage for school
Topping out ceremony at Bertha Park
A significant milestone has been reached in the creation of a new secondary school at Bertha Park.
A topping out ceremony was held this week at the school watched by some of the 200 S1 and S2 pupils who will make up the first classes when the building opens in August next year.
Once complete it will cater for the new Bertha Park residential development with space for around 1100 pupils.
Bertha Park will be the first completely new secondary school in Scotland for two decades when the pupils start.
Council leader, Councillor Murray Lyle, said: “A key focus for the council is on improving the learning and teaching environment for pupils and staff in our schools and Bertha Park High School is a significant element of that.
“We are creating a completely new school community here and a tremendous amount of work has already gone into planning for the school ‘going live’ from next August.”
Karen Reid, chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council, added: “This is an exciting time for Perth and Kinross and for our young people both now and into the future with such high quality learning and teaching facilities at the brand new Bertha Park High School.
“I am delighted this major project for our school estate has now reached a crucial stage.”
The £32.5m project is being led by hub East Central Scotland on behalf of Perth and Kinross Council with Robertson serving as main contractor.
Derek Shewan, chief executive, Robertson, said: “The construction programme were joined by youngsters who will eventually start at the new school at the new school is progressing well and we were delighted to welcome key stakeholders to the site for the official topping out of the building.”
Gary Bushnell, chief executive of hub East Central Scotland, added: “It is impressive to see the new school building rising from the ground as work continues to progress towards completion and arrival of pupils and staff next summer.”