First Minister Alex Salmond officially opened Grove Academy.

He was given a tour of the newly constructed building's facilities and talked to staff and pupils before taking part in a ceremony to mark the historic occasion for the secondary school this week.

The First Minister saw pupils working in a technical workshop and also spoke to young people who are carrying out project work in the school library.

Grove Academy is the eighth and final school built under Dundee City Council's £90 million school building programme to be officially opened.

The first phase of the replacement Grove opened for lessons in August 2008, and pupils entered the completed new school in November last year.

Alongside classrooms, the school contains a swimming pool, games hall, gym, dance/drama studio and community facilities.

The ceremony to officially open the school, which has a history stretching back 120 years, featured musical contributions from pupils as well as the unveiling of a plaque by the First Minister.

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First Minister Alex Salmond said: "The Scottish Government is committed to working with every local authority to deliver better schools for our young people now and in the future. New and innovative school buildings such as those here at Grove Academy can stimulate pupils’ interest in education, while giving them enhanced opportunities to learn.

"Our Curriculum for Excellence is designed to give pupils the skills they need for learning, life and work and world-class new schools such as this can help ensure that they and their teachers capitalise on the changes and get the most out of school."

The First Minister added: "From the innovative approach to construction and the intelligent design and use of space to the outstanding facilities I’ve seen today, this is clearly a learning environment that reflects the principles and objectives of our new school estate strategy and one where pupils can fulfil their potential and excel."

Dundee City Council education convener Cllr Liz Fordyce said: "Everyone associated with Grove Academy is delighted that the First Minister agreed to officially open the school.

"Pupils and staff are enjoying these new facilities in a secondary which is at the heart of its community.

"Grove has put on a colourful celebration to mark an exciting new chapter in the school's long history and this day will long be remembered by everyone who took part."

Dundee City Council's £90 million school building programme has delivered a total of six primaries and two secondaries, with construction now complete.

(GK/BMcC)