The next chapter in the story of education in Moray is being written following a ceremony to mark the start of construction work on the new Elgin High School.
A turf cutting event took place today (Wednesday, March 16) as teachers, pupils and other key stakeholders in the project gathered at the site.
The £28.8million complex, which will cater for more than 1,000 pupils from a mix of town and rural catchment areas, will be delivered by hub North Scotland after it was appointed as development partner by The Moray Council. Balfour Beatty has been appointed as main contractor.
Today’s ceremony was organised by senior pupils at the existing school, with anticipation building among students and staff as their new home begins to take shape in the grounds of the current campus. Primary pupils from the catchment area also took part as they look forward to benefiting from the facilities in future years.
Angus Macfarlane, chief executive of hub North Scotland, said: “The turf cutting is an important milestone for the new Elgin High School project and signals the start in construction of what will be a first-class educational facility that will bring a host of wider benefits to the people of Elgin and the surrounding area.
“hub North Scotland is delighted to be delivering the project on behalf of The Moray Council and we look forward to continuing to work with all key partners to ensure its successful completion. This is a major development for Elgin and we are committed to overseeing the delivery of a facility that the council, along with the children and young people it will serve, will be proud of.”
Elgin High School head teacher Andy Simpson said: “Positive relationships and the quality of learning activities are amongst the most important features for the success of a school. However, first class modern facilities and resources provide an environment which nurtures and encourages success.
“I know I am speaking for all at Elgin High School in expressing our delight that the prospect of the new school 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.”
The first phase of the project, which will include the creation of the new school and sports block complex, is scheduled to be completed by October 2017. Phases two and three are set to be finished by June 2018.
George Hood, Balfour Beatty managing director north Scotland, said: “We are pleased to have worked in very close collaboration with hub North Scotland and The Moray Council to bring this project to fruition. We will start construction work now in earnest by bringing our expert delivery team across from RAF Lossiemouth where they have consistently delivered to time, budget and quality.”
Hub North Scotland comprises Alba Community Partnerships (a joint venture of Galliford Try Investments, Equitix and Sweett Investment Services), Scottish Futures Trust and 16 Northern Territory Partners, working with local suppliers and contractors to deliver quality buildings and services.
Further information on hub North Scotland can be found at www.hubnorthscotland.co.uk