ELGIN HIGH SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION START ‘IMPORTANT DAY FOR ELGIN’

Councillors have welcomed the start of construction of a £30 million new build replacement for Elgin High School.

The Scottish Government is providing over 28 million pounds in funding with the Council contributing around 1.6 million pounds.

Speaking after the turf cutting ceremony at Elgin High School, Elgin City South SNP Councillor Graham Leadbitter said:

“This is an important day for Elgin and I am absolutely delighted to see the work starting on the ground to build the new High School. It is a huge 30 million pound investment in education for Elgin High pupils, which would not have been possible without the massive 28 million pounds contribution from the Scottish Government.

“It was great to see young people from the High School and all of its associated primary schools taking part in the turf cutting ceremony. They will have the direct educational benefits when the school is completed next year.

“A tremendous amount of work has been invested already but it is only when the construction starts that it feels ‘real’! I look forward to seeing the new school take shape in the coming months.”

The SNP Opposition Spokesperson on The Moray Council, Cllr Mike Shand, said:

“As a result of the huge 28 million pound investment by the Scottish Government in Elgin High School the Council has also been able to take forward major refurbishment of 4 other primary schools in Elgin, Forres, Lossiemouth and Buckie.

“In addition the SNP’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently announced still further education investment, including a commitment to fund two thirds of the cost of a replacement Lossiemouth High School.

“I am absolutely delighted with the commitment being shown to education investment by the Scottish Government and I am really looking forward to seeing these new schools in operation.”

Head Teacher of Elgin High School Andy Simpson said that the new building will match the student’s aspirations.

“As a Head Teacher I am conscious that positive relationships and the quality of learning activities are amongst the most important features for the success of a school,” he said.

“However, first class modern facilities and resources provide an environment which nurtures and encourages such success.

“I know I am speaking for all in the Elgin High School in expressing our delight that the prospect of the new building is now becoming a reality.

“Pupils and staff will soon be able to enjoy the quality of accommodation that matches their aspirations and which will remove many of the challenges that have been endured for a number of years.”

Work on the £28.8million project to provide a new school and sports block will take 18 months to complete. It is expected that the first pupils will commence lessons at their new desks in October 2017.

Moray council Labour leader Cllr John Divers, whose ward the school is in, said it’s been a long road.

“I know it’s been frustrating at times for everyone, but we can put that behind us now and look forward to a superb new school,

“The existing building really had its day a long time ago and it’s a long time ago that I started fighting for a new building. So like everyone I’m glad the day has arrived when we start a new era for the High School. We’re going to have a great new building providing the best start for the children of New Elgin.