Nearly 30 schools have been built or refurbished under the Scottish Government's schools building initiative.

The £1.8 billion Schools for the Future programme will see 112 schools rebuilt or redeveloped by 2020.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has now revealed 29 improved schools will open to pupils across the country this academic year.

Speaking ahead of a visit to see construction progress at the new Boroughmuir High School in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon said: "Education is at the heart of our plans, and I am committed to doing all I can to improve the life chances of every child and young person. Ensuring children are able to learn in new, modern, fit for purpose surroundings is a crucial part of this.

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"By the end of this parliament we will have delivered 112 new or refurbished schools across every local authority in Scotland – more than double the number envisaged when the Schools for the Future programme started

"These new school building projects also provide an important boost to local economies through the creation of construction jobs and apprenticeships. This is key to our committment to boost the Scottish economy through infrastructure investment."

The Minister will reveal her 2016/17 Programme for Government later at Holyrood.

(LM/CD)