Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, has announced the development and construction of more new school buildings.

Mr Salmond revealed that another 30 schools are going to be built or refurbished as part of the next phase of the school buildings programme.

The announcement included the news that the developments would include 12 more schools than originally planned, with the total number of projects built under the £1.25 billion 'Scottish Schools for the Future' programme now standing at more than 60.

This means that the total number of schools built or refurbished since 2007 is 330 (12.5 per cent of all schools in Scotland).

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The First Minister said: "We want schools fit for purpose for every child in Scotland and will help Local Authorities to achieve this aim. We will continue to prioritise spend on areas that will directly support jobs and growth. Investing in school infrastructure is part of this work.

"It is only right that our children are able to reach their full potential in an environment that helps and enhances their learning."

In June 2009, the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning at the time, announced Government investment of £800 million towards a new £1.25 billion school building programme.

Based on market conditions at that time, it was estimated this would be enough to ensure the completion or refurbishment of 55 schools.

To date, 37 school projects have been announced - 16 secondary, 20 primary and 1 special school project, benefiting almost 20,000 pupils.

An additional 18 schools were planned for the next phase, bringing the total to 55.

Due to the management of investment in infrastructure by the Scottish Future's Trust however, considerably more than 18 new projects are expected in this next phase of the programme now.

(JG/BMcC)