TWO MORAY PRIMARY schools have been officially reopened following a multi-million investment and two years of upheaval.
St Gerardine Primary in Lossiemouth has had a £4.7million facelift funded by the Scottish Futures Trust and Moray Council, while Seafield Primary in Elgin has seen the completion of a £6.4million project.
Improvements in Lossiemouth included a new modular extension to add two classrooms, demolition of the hutted accommodation for Ladybird Developmental Nursery, installation of new boilers, doors and windows, as well as full rewiring and replumbing.
Convener of Moray Council, Councillor James Allan, said he was “deeply honoured” as local ward member to play a part in the school’s celebration, adding: “This investment has allowed a transformational change to happen and the end result has provided current and future generations with a modern school building fit for the 21st century.
“And I must say a very special welcome to the Ladybird group who are now in the heart of the St Gerardine community – a community which now has a school for the future.”
Primary 7s at Seafield treated invited guests to a play, showcasing the history of Seafield through the years. It followed the ribbon cutting marking the completion of the £6.4 million building project, which also saw a complete overhaul of the electric and plumbing systems, improved insulation and a mixture of new and upgraded roofing.
New modular accommodation has also been added, creating a 40-place nursey and two large classrooms for primary one pupils, with the previous nursery converted into three large classrooms for the upper stages of the school.
Speaking at the reopening of the Elgin school, Councillor Allan told pupils and staff: “The transformation to Seafield has developed over time.
“First of all we saw the nursery buildings be transported in, a first look at the new age of school accommodation. Then boys and girls – some of you have been fortunate to watch all the building work as it happened. I know you have moved about but what a difference it has made.
“How exciting for you to learn all about this and see some potential future careers. You have seen the difference having new classrooms is, making it a much more child friendly environment for you to learn in. All the new children in nursery and Primary One – this is normal for you.
“A bright, spacious school as you start your learning journey. The Learning Lounge is a very high spec specialist provision catering for out most vulnerable children ensuring their needs are being met in an environment where they are nurtured and safe. Finally an extended canteen facility for you all to benefit from and previous nursery accommodation a hub of learning for those preparing to transition to Elgin Academy.”
Moray Council’s Head of Schools and Curriculum Development, Vivienne Cross, said the reopening of St Gerardine and Seafield primaries is an important milestone for Moray.
She said: “The scale of these four school projects – including the recently-opened Applegrove and Millbank primaries – was massive, and the improvements reach far beyond the immediate learning environment. Our childrens’ communities have benefited, and will continue to do so, as a result of this investment.”