A new replacement secondary school is to go ahead in Aberdeen.

The news comes after the Scottish Government confirmed it would not "call in" the local authority's plans to build a new replacement school for Torry Academy and Kincorth Academy.

The council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee agreed to open public consultations on a preferred site for a replacement school when it met in March [2013]. Council officers were instructed to carry out statutory consultations on proposals "to close Kincorth Academy and Torry Academy and to amalgamate the two schools in a new, purpose-built secondary school on the Bobby Calder Park site."

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Aberdeen City Council's Convener of Education, Culture and Sport Committee, Councillor Jenny Laing, said: "We need a school that is fit for purpose in the 21st century which will provide pupils that live in Torry, Kincorth and Cove with the best possible chance to receive the quality of education they deserve.

"I would like to thank everyone that took the time to contribute to the consultation process. We will continue to work with the children, parents and schools in Torry, Kincorth and Cove to ensure that they are kept informed of developments as they progress.

"Attainment is a key ambition of this council and this new school will go a long way to providing local young people with better life chances and opportunities."

The cost of the new school is estimated to be more than £30m and will accommodate up to 1,450 pupils.

The Council will meet one-third of the costs, with the remaining amount being funded by the Scottish Government.

The facility is expected to open in the school session 2016/17.

(JP/MH)