Two new‘world-class’schools are to be built

Scottish Government funding has been secured which will enable the construction of two brand new “worldclass” replacement schools in Perth.

Education secretary and Perthshire North MSP John Swinney made the announcement that a new Perth High School and North Perth Primary School will now proceed as a result of funding from phase two of the £1 billion Learning Estate Investment Plan (LEIP).

Perth and Kinross Council will receive 50 per cent of the total capital cost of building over 25 years, with the council money for both projects approved in September.

The new high school will cost approximately £58.5 million and the primary school, which will serve as a replacement for Balhousie Primary and North Muirton Primary, nearer £16.5 million.

The high school is expected to open in 2024 while the new primary is scheduled for 2023.

Mr Swinney said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government’s massive funding boost will allow Perth and Kinross Council to invest in the construction of two energy-efficient, digitally-enabled and above all, world-class schools.”

The LEIP, which is comprised of Scottish Government funding alongside local authority contributions, aims to deliver digitally-enabled, low-carbon schools and campuses, to ensure “inclusive and welcoming places” that meet the needs of the whole community.

MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire Roseanna Cunningham said: “Not only will the project improve education in the area, but it will be welcome good news to the construction industry which has had some tough times throughout the pandemic.”

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith MSP added: “This is welcome news indeed. The new schools will provide state-of-the-art learning facilities while also being built to environmentally-friendly standards.”