New learning and community facilities that will accommodate 2,700 pupils as well as the wider community, have been officially opened.

First Minister Alex Salmond formally opened the £36.8m Lasswade Centre in Midlothian, which includes one of the first secondary schools to be completed through the Scotland's Schools for the Future school-building programme, a swimming pool, library and other community assets that will be open to the public.

Mr Salmond said: "I'm pleased that we've been able to work with our council partners to deliver a multi-million investment in facilities that can meet the needs of a wide range of people. The Lasswade Centre is bringing wider benefits to the community, including a new library and sports facilities – enhancing both pupils' learning experience and the wider opportunities available for thousands of people, young and old, across Midlothian.

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"This was made possible after years in which the local community suffered from one of the most dilapidated secondary school buildings in Scotland – until the Scottish Government stepped in with Midlothian Council to provide a new source of funding for a new school."

Elsewhere, Minister for Learning, Alasdair Allan attended the opening of the new Eastwood High School in Newton Mearns and will accommodate 1,220 pupils.

He commented: "I am very pleased to be able to attend the opening of the new Eastwood High School which will allow 1,220 pupils to enjoy the best quality school accommodation following an investment of £17.4 million from the Scottish Government.

"The new sports centre and two all-weather pitches will benefit not just the pupils, but the entire community, and like Lasswade, the school forms a key part of Scotland's Schools for the Future."

The two openings follow a joint-procurement pilot scheme between Midlothian and East Renfrewshire Councils, which has resulted in the saving of around £4m.

(JP/CD)