First Minister John Swinney has welcomed the progress being made in the construction of the new Perth High School during a recent site visit.

The new three-storey building, being delivered by Robertson Construction Tayside on behalf of hub East Central Scotland, will accommodate up to 1,600 pupils and 140 staff. It is being built to exacting Passivhaus standards, ensuring energy efficiency and a comfortable learning environment.

Once completed in 2025, the existing school building will be demolished, and the site will be transformed into a 3G sports pitch and a multi-use games area.

Robertson, known for its expertise in low-energy construction, previously delivered Scotland's first Passivhaus primary school, Riverside Primary School, for Perth & Kinross Council.

Mr Swinney said: "I was pleased to see first-hand the progress being made on the new Perth High School building, which represents a significant investment in the future of our young people. 

"This state-of-the-art facility will provide an outstanding learning environment for pupils and staff while demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and tackling the climate emergency.

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"I commend Perth and Kinross Council and all partners involved in this transformative project, which will undoubtedly have a lasting positive impact on the community."

Kevin Dickson, regional managing director, Robertson Construction Tayside, said: "Hosting the First Minister and Perth & Kinross Council at the new Perth High School has been a great opportunity to show the progress of the build, and highlight our commitment to quality and sustainability. Once complete, the school will be an integral part of the community, helping young people reach their full potential while supporting our collective journey to net zero. 

"Building to Passivhaus standards once again with the Council demonstrates the importance placed on delivering cutting-edge projects in a sustainable, forward-thinking way." 

Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: "It's great to see the new school taking shape and we look forward to handing over a first class facility next year that will serve the community for generations to come."

Councillor John Rebbeck, Perth and Kinross Council's Convener of Families and Learning, said: "As we get closer to Perth High School opening the doors of its brand new facilities to young people and staff, I am very pleased that Mr Swinney is able to join us and see first-hand how works are progressing on site, and I welcome the positive way that the Council has worked in partnership with the Scottish Government.

"This £80m project is a key element of the Council's programme to improve the learning estate in Perth and Kinross by investing in the provision of modern, fit for purpose facilities, and additionally by building to Passivhaus standards, one of the first schools of its kind in Scotland alongside Riverside Primary, we aim to reduce our environmental impact."