Aberdeen's two newest primary schools opened on 14 April, 2010, marking another milestone in the £120m 3Rs Project.

The opening of Braehead and Mile End brings the total up to seven new city schools in less than a year.

Balgownie and Upper Westfield Primary schools came together to become the new nursery to P7 Braehead School for up to 279 pupils incorporating community facilities and an all-weather pitch.

Braehead headteacher Laura Walker said: "This is such a fantastic well-designed, bright and airy building.

"It will be a pleasure to teach and learn in this lovely environment, we are all very proud to be part of Braehead School."

The new Mile End replaces the former Beechwood and Mile End schools with a nursery to P7 school for up to 415 pupils with extended facilities for 70 pupils with additional support needs.

There will also be a large community facility, an all-weather pitch and an office for the local city warden.

Mile End headteacher Eleanor Sheppard said: "This is a truly wonderful school and a real asset, not only to the pupils and staff but to the local community as a whole.

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"Inclusion and bringing together the best of both schools to foster a caring and welcoming environment is a top priority for all of us at Mile End.

"This is a really exciting time for us all and I am looking forward to us all working together to meet the needs and aspirations for all our pupils."

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.

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: "I am absolutely delighted that we are providing city pupils and their families and communities with such high-quality schools.

"All the 3Rs schools I have visited are hugely impressive and these latest schools are no exception."

Council Leader John Stewart said: "It is wonderful to see these fantastic schools opening today.

"The facilities are second-to-none and I am sure that the youngsters, parents and staff will be thrilled with their modern new schools."

3Rs Project Board Chairman Councillor Kevin Stewart said: "The sheer quality and design of these schools are breathtaking.

"It's so impressive to see that we now have seven of these wonderful new schools in the city which have all been opened in less than a year."

(GK)