A sod-turning ceremony has been held to mark a major milestone on a £28 million school project in the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh.

Partners Hub South East and contractors Morrison Construction were joined by pupils and representatives from the City of Edinburgh Council to mark the beginning of construction on a replacement Castlebrae High School.

This project will see a new 700 capacity secondary school built with the potential to be increased to 1,200. Located next to the East Neighbourhood Centre and Library, the school is scheduled for completion by August 2021.

An important aspect of the design is the provision of a variety of spaces for learning activities to support collaborative and inclusive practice, developing and enhancing strategies for continuing improvement in attainment and achievement.

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Externally there will be extensive landscaped areas for outdoor learning activities and a 3G artificial football pitch, which will be available for use by the local community outside school hours, as well as a community town square.

Councillor Ian Perry, Education Convener of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: "It was great to see work progressing on the site of what will be our fifth new high school we have built in recent years. This is an exciting time for the education in the Capital with two further new schools opening this year, and construction work having started on two others.

"Today's event demonstrates our commitment to investing in our children's education by creating a first-class learning environment for all our children which will also be an exciting, inspirational and creative hub for the whole community."

Eddie Robertson, Managing Director for Morrison Construction Central Building, added: "The start of a new project is an exciting time for all involved and it's good to note that we already have rapid progress on the groundwork for the new Castlebrae High School. Morrison Construction has a strong track record in developing and delivering education projects in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council and we will bring all that experience to bear in ensuring that the children of Craigmillar receive a school building to be proud of, while the wider community will be able to enjoy 21st century public facilities.

"We are also committed to a programme of exciting engagement activities that will benefit the pupils and surrounding community during this project."

(CM/JG)