A major milestone in the history of the village of Colmonell was achieved when the first sod of turf was cut to mark the start of the construction of the new Colmonell Primary School building.

Pupils from the school, along with staff, local Councillors and invited guests watched as Councillor Hywel Davies, Lifelong Learning Portfolio Holder, enthusiastically cut out the first piece of turf.

Councillor Davies said: "It was an honour to be asked to cut the first sod of turf on the ground where the new Colmonell Primary school building will be built.

"This is an important part of the Council’s school investment programme. The new school building will provide a bright and exciting learning environment for the children and staff as well as a modern community resource for Colmonell and surrounding district.

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"Costing £1.5 million, the single storey building will fit into the landscape of the village. The school will be environmentally friendly, with different spaces in the building designed to accommodate small and large groups of children to meet all their needs and outdoor space too."

Cindy O’Driscoll, head teacher of the school said: "This marks the start of a really exciting time for everyone at Colmonell Primary. We are thrilled that work has begun on our fantastic new school, and are looking forward to moving in to a building which is purpose-built for delivering Curriculum for Excellence."

The staff and pupils already know what their new school building is going to look like thanks to artists impressions and are very excited about it, one pupil James Hyslop, Primary 1 said: "The new school looks really cool. I love the grass roof."

The old primary school was built in 1967. In 2008, following an inspection of the school, it was decided that alternative accommodation should be found for the staff and pupils. The pupils and staff were moved to temporary accommodation, situated on the village playing fields, that has one large teaching room, an activity room, shared office accommodation, storage and toilet provision to ensure that the school continued to run smoothly.

(GK/BMcC)