DEPUTY First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney, has officially opened the £12.4 million Whatriggs Primary and Early Childhood Centre in Kilmarnock.
The original Whatriggs Campus design, created by East Ayrshire Council’s architects, was developed by main contractor Morrison Construction in partnership with Keppie Design.
A tour of the campus, led by headteacher Diane MacKinnon, gave Mr Swinney and guests the opportunity to view the classrooms, playrooms and the school library that doubles as a community library.
John Swinney said, “It was a pleasure to be invited to officially open the fantastic new Whatriggs Primary School, Early Childhood Centre. I am sure it will be a great environment that will inspire a love of learning and will make an extremely positive difference to the wider community.’’
Eddie Robertson, Morrison Construction’s managing director for Central Scotland added, “It was great to be at the award-winning Whatriggs Primary School and Early Childhood Centre today and hear how pupils and staff have been enjoying the new facilities since moving in during August last year. We enjoyed working collaboratively with East Ayrshire Council, teachers and pupils to ensure the new school met their needs now and into the future.’’
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said, “Children and young people from the former Bellfield and Kirkstyle Primaries have been welcomed to Whatriggs with open arms. The campus has created a positive environment where children can thrive and through its clever design active, outdoor and creative learning is a part of everyday school life.
“The £12.4m campus was a massive investment for Bellfield, in a beautiful setting in the heart of the community. The team that delivered this project, Headteacher Diane MacKinnon, our teaching staff and early years practitioners deserve the highest praise for ensuring that our young people have the very best start in life.”
