Plans to construct a new £9m denominational school in Bearsden have been given the go ahead by the Scottish Government. The move means two primary schools in Bearsden and Milngavie will close.

The new £9m denominational school, located in Bearsden, will serve both of the above communities. The school which is expected to open in time for the school session of 2016/17, will see 445 primary pupils from St Andrew's and St Joseph's school benefit from the facility.

Earlier this year, in May, the local authority decided to move forward with plans to construct a new primary school and as required by legislation, notified the Scottish Government of its decision. The Government subsequently "called in" the decision in order to allow for more time to be given to discuss the proposed development.

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The Scottish Government has now given its "unconditional consent" to the plans.

Rhondda Geekie, Council Leader, welcomed the news saying: "This new school will provide a high-quality, modern learning environment for these young pupils that will better support the Curriculum for Excellence.

"In East Dunbartonshire we have a proud record of excellence in education and we are committed to giving our young people the best educational start in life that we can give them."

She added: "Designing the new Bearsden and Milngavie primary school to meet the needs of local people is a high priority for us and we look forward to working closely with the whole school community every step of the way on this exciting project."

(JP/MH)