Contractors Darroch & Allan have started work to refurbish a community centre in Buckie, Moray.

Up to £672,000 is being invested by the council into the Lady Cathcart building to provide a new nursery for young children.

The six-month project will involves installing new changing facilities, developing a family room and installing specialist provision for children with additional support needs.

In addition, an outdoor learning area, space for messy play and modern garden will also be created.

The project is first phase of Scottish Government's commitment towards offering 1,140 hours of Early Learning & Childcare for three and four year-olds, and eligible two year-olds, by 2020.

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Cllr Laurence Findlay said: "Lady Cathcart has been a feature of education in Buckie for nearly 150 years so to see it have a new lease of life will be wonderful for locals and of great benefit to the children who'll receive their nursery education here.

"This is an exciting time for early learning and childcare in Moray – we have the opportunity to modernise our approach to the service delivery and that means being able to provide new nursery facilities like the one we'll see in Buckie."

Managing Director of Darroch & Allan, Andrew Fordyce, said: "It's always rewarding for us to see a building come back into full use and to have played a part in that.

"We're proud to be undertaking this work in Buckie and look forward to seeing Lady Cathcart once again bustling with the children who'll attend the nursery here from August."

Image: (L - R) Andrew Fordyce (MD, Darroch & Allan), Cllr Gordon Cowie, Cllr Sonya Warren and Craig Stewart (Director, Darroch & Allan).

(LM/MH)