East Ayrshire Council has announced that ground has officially been broken at St Sophia's Primary in Galston, marking the beginning of the refurbishment project.

St. Sophia's structures are undergoing refurbishment to meet the EnerPHit building standard, positioning the school to become the first EnerPHit certified school in the UK.

The EnerPHit renovation method significantly improves the energy efficiency of existing buildings while retaining their original footprint and structure. This comprehensive retrofit to EnerPHit standards also facilitates the improvement of the building layout, ensuring it aligns with modern learning environments.

Councillor Elaine Cowan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People was joined at the official ground-breaking by Councillor Douglas Reid, Provost Jim Todd, Councillor Barry Douglas, local members Councillor Sally Cogley and Councillor Beverley Clark; Linda McAulay-Griffiths, Chief Education Officer and Head of Education; Head Teacher Lizzie Heron and Andrew Kennedy, Head of Facilities and Property Management.

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Councillor Cowan said: "It was an honour to be part of the official ground-breaking ceremony at St Sophia’s Primary, which was performed by Theo, Mitchell, Allie, Michael, Lyle, Sophie and Murphy. The refurbishment of St Sophia’s is an exciting and incredibly innovative project. It will become the first EnerPHit certified school in the UK and significant energy reductions are expected to be delivered by improving the fabric of the building.

"More importantly, this is an investment in the children and young people of the Irvine Valley. As a Council we are committed to ensuring that all our children and young people have the best possible start in life and have the opportunity to learn in an environment that matches the hopes and aspirations of the school community.

"The children and young people have been decanted to the former Kirkstyle Primary School and thanks to the wonderful staff from St Sophia’s and our parents and carers this has been working well but everyone is excited to be back at their own school next year."

The project, which has a total capital budget of £5.8 million, is being delivered as part of the Scottish Government's Learning Estate Investment Programme – Phase 2, and is receiving total grant funding support of approximately £4.300 million over a 25 year period.