East Lothian Council has approved a £6.9m contract for the construction of a new upper primary school in Dunbar.

McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd was awarded the contract at a meeting of the Council's Cabinet following a competitive tendering process in line with European procurement rules.

New housing development and rising birth rates in the Dunbar catchment area has led to an increase in the school population. The existing Dunbar Primary School building will continue to provide pre-school education and primary 1-3 classes, while the new building will welcome children from primaries 4-7.

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The decision to develop a 'lower' and 'upper' primary school for Dunbar was taken following widespread consultation with parents, carers and community groups.

Construction work is due to start on site in April 2010, with completion expected in 2012

Cabinet member for Housing, Councillor Stuart Currie, said: "Work to create the access road and a network of paths to the new upper school building was carried out last year. Today's contract approval brings us one step closer to delivering new education facilities that will meet the needs of Dunbar's increasing school population."

(GK)