Plans for a brand new Lairdsland Primary School in Kirkintilloch took a step forward this week as the partners involved in the £7.7m project achieved financial close.

The agreement was reached between East Dunbartonshire Council and development partner hub West Scotland and contractor Morgan Sindall. It means that the first sod can be cut this month.

Building works are set to run for completion before the summer 2015 break and the Council is working with its partners with a view to delivering an earlier completion date if that is achievable.

Council Leader Rhondda Geekie welcomed this project milestone, said: "These are exciting times for the pupils and teachers of Lairdsland Primary School who are looking forward to moving to their brand new school on the banks of the canal from their existing Victorian building. I'm delighted that, by working with our partners, we are now one step closer to delivering a fabulous school fit for the challenges of modern learning."

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Lairdsland Primary School is one of 67 new schools to be built within the £1.25bn Scotland's Schools for the Future programme that is managed by Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) on behalf of the Scottish Government.

In collaboration with SFT, the building has been designed by award winning architects Walters and Cohen and is being used as one of two reference designs for new primary schools across Scotland.

The flexible and open classrooms will allow for formal learning areas and informal project space. Each classroom has access to an outdoor learning area and there are dedicated areas for art, science and display throughout the school. Outdoor spaces include landscaped play areas and a multi-use games area as well as parent and visitor parking and cycle parking bays.

Gemma Boggs, Schools Programme Director at SFT explained: "SFT's work with East Dunbartonshire Council has resulted in an, adaptable, innovative design that meets current and future education needs. When this school opens, it will provide a modern, inspirational place for young people to learn. Importantly, all local authorities across Scotland have access to the two reference primary school designs which can be easily adapted for their own particular needs, saving money and time."

(CD/MH)