Funding granted for the creation of £17 million Findrassie Primary School in Elgin
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THE Scottish Government has today agreed to jointly fund the creation of a new £17 million primary school in Elgin.
Findrassie Primary School, which the Scottish Government will fund alongside Moray Council, will be able to accommodate 450 pupils and will have nursery and additional support needs provision.
It is expected to be built by 2024.
Primary school capacity in Elgin is urgently required to meet anticipated demand for places. Bishopmill Primary is expected to be at 100 per cent capacity by August 2021, Greenwards Primary by August 2022, and Seafield Primary by August 2025.
Findrassie has been prioritised due to the immediate demographic changes within the area and the forecasted population growth in Elgin.
Moray Council, which submitted a request for funding to the Scottish Government's learning estate improvement plan in October, has welcomed the funding.
Chair of Moray Council’s children and young people’s services committee councillor Sonya Warren (SNP, Buckie) believes Findrassie Primary School will be at the centre of a thriving community.
She said: “The Scottish Government’s commitment to funding Findrassie Primary is very welcome.
"It will accelerate the building of an urgently-needed school – and the first to be built reflecting the aspirations of parents in our new learning estate strategy.
"As part of the Findrassie masterplan, we anticipate the creation of a thriving community, with sport, leisure and community facilities, a local hub, employment opportunities and residential and commercial development.
"Findrassie Primary will be at the heart, providing an inspirational learning experience for thousands of pupils over its lifetime.”
The funding comes as part of £800 million investment in learning facilities from the Scottish Government and local authorities.
Across Scotland, 25 new schools and campuses are to be constructed or refurbished.
Scottish education secretary John Swinney said: “I am determined that our pupils have access to high-quality, up-to-date facilities that parents, staff and children can be proud of.
“This next phase builds on our commitment and proven track record in replacing schools in the poorest condition so that more children or young people can be educated in high quality buildings and ensure equity of provision.
He added: “Scotland’s construction industry has worked incredibly hard to deal with the many challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will help the sector, sustaining many jobs and providing a welcome boost to communities across the country."
The Scottish Government will pay for ongoing maintenance of the new facilities through an outcomes-based funding model.
