The latest school to benefit from the Scottish Government's £1.25bn Scotland's 'Schools for Future' programme has been formally opened.

Education Secretary Michael Russell visited the new state-of-the-art Spittal Primary School in South Lanarkshire to mark the occasion.

The Scottish Government has invested £2.4m in the new building, and features seven classes, including a nursery class, a gym, kitchen, dining hall, ICT learning centre and sports pitch.

Mr Russell said: "It's a privilege to officially open this fantastic new building. Spittal Primary is a great example of the Scottish Government, a local authority and those involved with its construction working together successfully in partnership.


"South Lanarkshire can be proud of this stunning and vibrant new building, which will benefit the children and the community of Spittal. I am confident this school and community will, like the tree generously donated by the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, flourish in years to come."

Depute chair of South Lanarkshire's Education Resources Committee, Councillor Denis McKenna, said: "This ceremony is not only a very special day for me, but one for the pupils and staff of the school as they will go down in the history books as the first pupils to be taught in this fabulous new building.

"I would like to say a big thank you to all involved in the construction of this wonderful new building. And to the headteacher, Mrs Harvey – thank you for what you have done in extending the hand of friendship to other schools in the neighbourhood as well as pupils, parents and carers. My final thanks is to the pupils and I wish them all the best for the future."

(JP/MH)