The new Prestwick Academy building was officially opened on Thursday by the Rt Hon Lord Ian Lang of Monkton.

An important part of South Ayrshire Council's £76 million investment programme in schools, the new Prestwick Academy, which cost approximately £26 million, was designed and built as an exciting and inspiring learning environment.

It provides indoor and outdoor facilities that will serve the people of Prestwick and surrounding areas for many years to come.

After officially opening the new school building Lord Lang said: "This is a top quality building, and I warmly congratulate the South Ayrshire Council and all those involved in its planning, design and construction. It takes its place within an impressive Council programme of school modernisation throughout the area.

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"Quality begets quality. I hope that the new Prestwick Academy will inspire teachers and pupils alike for many years to come, to deliver and to benefit from a top quality education. I consider it a great privilege to be asked to participate in the official opening ceremony."

The guests at the official opening ceremony enjoyed a full programme of entertainment provided by talented pupils that included a string orchestra, Scottish Highland Dancers, folk groups, fiddle orchestra, the school choir, Les Miserables Medley by the school show June 2010 cast.

Since 2008 schools have also been completed at Monkton, Alloway, Barassie and Belmont, with a new annexe completed at Kyle Academy.

Councillor Hywel Davies, the Council's Lifelong Learning Portfolio Holder said: "The new school building is a fitting place for young people to learn, prosper and grow into active citizens. Our young people deserve the best possible schools that we can provide, and Prestwick Academy is certainly a place that pupils, staff and the communities it serves can be proud of."

Head teacher Gordon Bone said the new building provides a modern learning centre designed to equip the young people with the necessary skills, knowledge and positive attitudes to achieve their full potential and enable them to lead healthy, productive lives.

(GK/BMcC)