A state-of-the-art fitness suite was launched at Arbroath Academy on Friday.

The new £56K suite, which was created from three converted classrooms, replaces the school's outmoded gym and is kitted out with the latest SHOKK fitness equipment.

Angus Council's Education convener Peter Nield congratulated the school on the latest development saying: "Arbroath Academy is living up to its School of Ambition status. In the past couple of years it has developed not only the new fitness suite but also created a new and more flexible support for learning area and a wonderfully light and welcoming open plan art facility."

Speaking at the launch headteacher David Macdonald said the enhanced fitness suite was already very popular with pupils.

-- Advertisement --

"We are very proud of what we have achieved so far. It is an example of what can be done when you put together a brilliant idea, an enterprising bid for funds, the determination to succeed and an excellent team of teachers, support staff, architects and builders."

The school put together an ambitious bid for funding from the council's Vocational Learning Fund and the £30,000 awarded, coupled with £10,000 from the Schools of Ambition initiative delivered the funds needed for the building works.

The £16K kit out of the space was made possible with support from the Fairer Scotland (£10,000); Determined to Succeed (£3,000); and Fit for Girls (£300) funds and the Angus Active Schools initiative (£2,500).

Mr Macdonald concluded by saying: "Although we are delighted with the equipment purchased to date, there are still some spaces and we would welcome any mutually beneficial involvement with local businesses or other funders which would help us to achieve our vision."

Just over a year ago the school completed a new open plan art facility that allows teachers and pupils to access and share a variety of art resources, including a bank of PCs linked to the council network and the internet. The Schools of Ambition initiative provided £100,000 with a further £50,000 invested by Angus Council.

(GK/JM)