Aberdeenshire Council has announced plans to purchase a site at Laurencekirk to develop a replacement for Mearns Academy.

Councillors agreed that the 17 acres site at Aberdeen Road, Laurencekirk, would be ideal for the project.

The replacement building for the aging Mearns Academy will have provision for 840 pupils and in addition to teaching areas and community space, will also include a library and theatre, sports facilities, a four-court games hall, gym, fitness suite and sports pitches.

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Chair of Aberdeenshire council, Provost Bill Howatson, said: "The decision to move forward with the purchase of the Aberdeen Road site is the next step in a project which is much-anticipated by the community.

"There is still much to do before work can begin on the ground, but I'm sure those who will benefit from the new facility will be pleased to hear progress is continuing."

Subject to the approval of planning permission, work on the new school is expected to begin in June next year.

(JG/GK)