Construction work has commenced on the new James Gillespie's High School in Edinburgh.

The work starts after the project reached financial close.

Financial close occurs when all the project and financing agreements have been signed and the required conditions contained in each have been met.

The school, which will cost £34m, is being built for the City of Edinburgh Council and will be part-funded by the Scottish Government's £1.25bn 'Scotland's Schools for the Future' programme. The facility will house 104 staff and 1,150 pupils upon completion.

The ambitious project involves the demolition of the existing school buildings, the construction of a new teaching block and brand new sports and performance buildings on the campus. The Grade A-listed Bruntsfield House at the centre of the campus will also undergo a major refurbishment. The school, which is due to be completed by summer 2016, is expected to support up to 250 jobs during construction, six modern apprenticeships and a host of work experience opportunities.

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Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "In Scotland we are building many new schools, and refurbishing still more to provide an excellent learning environment for staff and pupils.

"Investment in infrastructure projects such as the new James Gillespie's High School, not only supports jobs and apprenticeships locally,but it also helps the wider Scottish economy.

"This project is part of the Scottish Government's £1.25 billion 'Scotland's Schools for the Future' programme which will see the construction of 67 new schools and the movement of 46,000 pupils into top quality accommodation."

Councillor Paul Godzik, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, added: "This is a really unique project as it benefits children right from nursery age through to their high school years.

"I was really impressed with the high quality facilities at the primary school which I opened last month and those buildings have definitely set the standard for the high school.

"We are delighted to be working with the Scottish Government on this important project."

(JP/IT)