‘Delight’ as primary school reopens after £10 million upgrade

Alyth: Positive feedback from pupils, parents and staff

An east Perthshire primary school has officially reopened following a £10 million make-over.

Work began on the Victorian-era building at Alyth in June 2016 as part of a huge investment in schools across Perth and Kinross.

The primary school was originally due to reopen early last year, but the project was hit by delays after a surprise discovery of asbestos.

Yesterday, youngsters sang and performed at the grand ceremony.

Provost Dennis Melloy, who hosted the ribbon-cutting, said: “This major project has transformed Alyth Primary School for the long-term and I understand there has already been very positive feedback from visitors to the school about how the Victorian and modern elements have been so harmoniously combined.”

He said: “The school community is justly proud of the new educational environment, and I am delighted to have the honour of officially opening Alyth Primary School today.”

Head Teacher Connie Letford said: “Pupils, parents and staff are absolutely delighted with our fantastic new school.

“It provides an inspiring, positive learning environment which offers lots of opportunities to enhance teaching and learning within the classroom and by using the many outdoor spaces available.”

She said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have been involved in this project and the whole school community has a great sense of pride in our new school.”

Lifelong learning convener councillor Caroline Shiers, added: “Throughout this project, the focus has been on partnership working to ensure that the new school’s facilities would meet the aim of supporting 21st Century learning.

“I am pleased, too, that as well as looking forward to the future, Alyth Primary School’s history has not been forgotten with pupils, staff and parents working with members of the local community to create both a book about its past and present and an exhibition of memories, stories, photographs and artefacts.”

The work was carried out by hub East Central Scotland. Chief executive Gary Bushnell said the new building was “designed to meet the needs of the community that it serves, providing a modern learning environment for pupils and staff.”

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It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have been involved in this project and the whole school community has a great sense of pride in our new school. CONNIE LETFORD HEAD TEACHER

Picture: Kris Miller. At the opening are, from left: Head Teacher Connie Letford, Zoe Davidson, Jodie Harden and Provost Dennis Melloy.