Scotland's Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education, John Swinney, has officially opened the new Tulloch Primary School in Perth, following a major refurbishment programme.

The works on Tulloch Primary are part of a £55 million programme jointly funded by Perth & Kinross Council and the Scottish Government, which also includes replacement facilities for Kinross Primary School and the brand new Bertha Park High School, also in Perth.

14 open-plan teaching zones have been created in the new school building, providing for up to 434 primary pupils, as well as increasing the nursery capacity to 40 children, a new and improved Additional Support Needs (ASN) base, and nurture provision. The school's external surroundings, including its play area, are also being transformed with an increased grass pitch area, Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), outdoor teaching facilities and eco-features. Improved pupil drop-off facilities and enhanced parking have also been provided.

Mr Swinney will perform the official opening following music, song and performance by children across the school from nursery to P7, including the school's Glee Choir, who recently won the Perth and Kinross final of the Scotland-wide Primary Glee Choir Challenge. He said: "It is an honour to be able to officially open Tulloch Primary School.

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"The excellent partnership working with Perth & Kinross Council, the Scottish Government and Scottish Futures Trust has enabled the creation of this fantastic new state-of-the-art accommodation and, along with Kinross Primary School and Bertha Park High School, Tulloch has benefitted from £32.5 million of Scottish Government funding.

"This is a fantastic new school that the whole community can be proud of and I wish those who use it all the very best for the future."

Council Leader, Councillor Murray Lyle added: "The ongoing commitment we have to enhancing the learning and teaching environment in our schools is clearly reflected in the fantastic new facilities here at Tulloch Primary School.

"We are investing very significantly in the school estate in the interests of children and young people in Perth and Kinross, so that they can achieve to the fullest, academically and personally now and into the future.

"It is exciting to see a major project like this develop from the drawing board to a fully operational, vibrant and busy school, and it is clear that children, staff, parents and the wider school community at Tulloch are enjoying the vastly improved provision it offers."

Acting Headteacher, Michelle Cassidy, said: "From day one, our children, staff and families have been very positive about our new school. We all welcome the bright, spacious and open environment, which offers lots of opportunities to enhance learning and teaching. It is wonderful to see the ethos of the school enhanced further making it truly a place where children love to learn."

Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, concluded: "We worked closely with the team at Perth & Kinross Council to manage the project to build the new school to successful completion. It is great to see the pupils and staff enjoying their new school, which provides an excellent modern learning environment."

(MH)