The new £41 million Portobello High School in Edinburgh is due to open in October, it has been announced.

Contractors Balfour Beatty and Scottish Water have been working together to resolve drainage issues which originally delayed the schools opening until January next year. However, the new school is now expected to open three months earlier than anticipated.

Features of the 1,400-capacity school includes modern teaching facilities, indoor/outdoor sports facilities, a swimming pool and two all weather pitches.

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A £1m park will also be developed on the area which will remain on the existing combined Portobello High School and St John's RC Primary School site after making provision for the necessary increase in the size of the site allocated to the new St John's RC Primary School.

Stuart Danskin, Balfour Beatty's Project Manager, said: "We are delighted that the drainage matters have been resolved and the school can now be opened to pupils three months earlier than expected."

Cllr Paul Godzik added: "I am sure that parents, pupils and staff will be as delighted as I am that we have brought forward the date of the school opening to October.

"Thanks must go to the Council's project team, Balfour Beatty and Scottish Water for working so closely over the past few months to solve the drainage issues and accelerate the school opening."

(LM)