Deputy First Minister of Scotland and the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney, have officially opened Midlothian's two new primary schools, Roslin and Paradykes.

Paradykes incorporates a Family Learning Centre and is part of the Loanhead Centre, providing school/wrap around care, a library, medical centre, early years' provision and leisure facilities.

Funded through the Schools for Future programme, Roslin Primary was built by McLaughlin & Harvey at a cost of £6.8 million. The school can accommodate 267 primary pupils and boasts an all-weather, multi-use games area.

Roslin head teacher Jo Wilson welcomed Mr Swinney along with the council's Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Jim Muirhead, the Chief Executive, Dr Grace Vickers, the council's Director of Education, Communities and Economy, Dr Mary Smith and the Acting Head of Education, Maria Lloyd.

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Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: "I would like to thank Midlothian Council for inviting me along to open their two newest schools, Roslin Primary and Paradykes Primary.

"It is great to see the council's continued commitment to their school estate and I am pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to support both projects through our £1.8 billion Schools for the Future programme which will see 117 schools replaced or refurbished by 2020.

"Both schools will now benefit from state-of-the-art accommodation that learners, staff and the whole community can be proud of."

Dr Vickers also said: "Midlothian is the fastest growing local authority in Scotland. People are coming to Midlothian to enjoy, among other benefits, our world-class schools. Closing the poverty-related attainment gap is a priority for us in Midlothian and we know that these new schools will help us in this shared endeavour."

(MH)