The brand new Hazlehead Primary School has opened its doors to pupils.

This is the fifth school in Aberdeen City Council's £120million 3Rs project to be completed.

The new school can accommodate up to 360 P1-P7 pupils and a nursery, it also incorporates community facilities and a police office.

In the second phase of the development a sports hall, an all-weather pitch and landscaping of the grounds are expected to be completed by October this year.

The innovative Reorganise, Renovate and Rebuild public/private partnership scheme has already delivered two new primaries and two new secondary schools.

Significant community and sports facilities are a key part of each school-build project. All are being built to exacting levels of sustainability in their design, construction and operation. Outdoor spaces are designed to provide safe, stimulating places for learning, play and socialising.

Every school has a fully equipped kitchen for preparing meals to support the city council's healthy-eating Hungry for Success programme.

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All boast high standards of insulation, an innovative lighting management system linked to ambient levels of daylight, under-floor heating, natural ventilation, the ability to conserve and use rainwater and sustainable urban drainage systems.

Director of Education, Culture and Sport Annette Bruton said: "This is a super new school environment that I am sure the whole community will enjoy using.

"I believe we are leading the way in Scotland with this project which sets the standard for schools estates.

"I'd like to wish everybody well in their great new school."

Headteacher Barbara Jones said: "This is a wonderful building and we are all looking forward to this exciting new chapter in the school's life.

"I am sure that I speak for us all when I say that we are so happy to be moving in to such a fantastic learning and working environment."

Council Leader John Stewart said: "It excellent to see another modern new school opening in the city.

"I am very pleased that we are offering our youngsters the very best of learning environments not only in the North-east but across Scotland.

"I am sure the staff and pupils will enjoy working and studying in this wonderful new building."

3Rs Project Board Chairman Councillor Kevin Stewart said: "It's fantastic to see the project surging forward. Hazlehead is the fifth school to open and two more are due to open next month.

"Once again we have been done proud with yet another airy, innovative state-of-the-art school."

Convener of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee Andy May said: "It is great to see yet another 3Rs school opening its doors.

"Once again we see a new school offering the very best facilities for pupils and staff.

"I am sure Hazlehead is a school everybody will be proud of being part of."

(GK)