Work is set to begin on the newest secondary school for Aberdeenshire, with contractor Land Lease due to commence work following councillors’ approval of project costs. The cost of building the new 17-acre site will be £23,377,662. The contract was awarded in June 2012.

The building of the new Mearns Academy Community Campus will be officially launched today, with Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages Dr Alasdair Allan MSP and Provost of Aberdeenshire Cllr. Jill Webster attending the cutting of the first sod on the new site.

The school and community campus will hold 840 pupils and will offer a range of sports facilities, including a four-court games hall, gym and fitness suite.

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The site will also include a public library, community rooms and a police office.

The project is being funded through the Council’s Capital Plan, with a £9.74m contribution being offered by the Scottish Futures Trust.

The school is set to be completed in June 2014, in time for the first classes being taught in August.

Councillor Webster said she was "delighted".

"The local community has long campaigned for a new school and has been involved in planning of the new community campus. They have contributed to the design and planning of the project through consultations and stakeholder and focus groups.

"This community campus will be a valuable space for everyone in Laurencekirk with something for everyone to enjoy."

Gordon Anderson, Lend Lease executive general manager, said: "The school will be an important resource to the people of Laurencekirk and we are delighted to be working with Aberdeenshire Council to produce a development which will bring real and lasting benefits to the local community."

(IT)