Construction has commenced on the new Callander Primary School, following the granting of planning permission by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Planning Authority in November.

The £23 million project, funded by Stirling Council, aims to create a modern, high-quality learning environment with capacity for up to 317 pupils.

The new school will include classrooms, general-purpose rooms, and breakout spaces, along with bespoke classrooms designed to cater for pupils with additional support needs. The development is part of a larger initiative to create the Callander Community Campus, which will see the primary school located alongside Callander Nursery, McLaren High School, and McLaren Leisure Centre. The anticipated completion of Katrine House at McLaren High School this spring will also provide new ASN educational facilities for both primary and secondary pupils in the area.

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: "I'm thrilled that work is beginning on the brand new Callander Primary School. The school will provide a modern and high-quality learning environment for pupils and staff, serving the needs of the local community for years to come. This substantial investment in our education estate is part of our ongoing commitment to give our young people the best opportunities to fulfil their potential."

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He added, "We've consulted extensively with families, the local community and other key stakeholders to ensure this fantastic new facility meets their needs and I'd like to thank them for their input into the design and construction. While there will inevitably be an element of disruption during a build of this scale, the works have been planned carefully to keep this this to a minimum, and we will continue to keep families and the local community updated throughout the process."

The project is being led by construction partners Kier and Hub East Central Scotland, with support from the Scottish Government's Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP).

Phil McDowell, regional director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, commented on the collaboration: "We are delighted to collaborate with Stirling Council to deliver this exceptional new educational facility for the pupils and staff at Callander Primary School. Our highly- skilled project team possesses the expertise and experience to create a building that meets the needs of all its users. Beyond the construction work, we are also eager to engage with the local community. Whether it's through educational programmes with local schools and colleges or volunteering opportunities to support community projects, we are always committed to delivering lasting social and economic benefits for the areas in which we work."

Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive at Hub East Central Scotland, said: "We have worked closely with Stirling Council throughout the development of this project and it is great to see work now underway on site. We look forward to managing the delivery of a modern, high quality school that will meet the needs of the community for many years to come."

This project is part of Stirling Council's ongoing investment in its educational estate. Elsewhere in the region, work is due to be completed this summer on a new £5.1 million facility for pupils with additional support needs on the grounds of Bannockburn High School.