ELGIN’S newest school, the £12.8 million Linkwood Primary, has officially opened its doors.
Moray Council worked alongside hub North Scotland and Balfour Beatty to build the school, which replaces the old Linkwood Primary facility at East End School annexe.
The school can accommodate more than 400 pupils, with space for 40 children in nursery. The facility will be open in lockdown to children who are not being taught from home, with the whole school moving into the new building when restrictions allow.
Features include an external roof terrace and outside play areas featuring a secure area for ASN pupils, a multi-use games area and secure play area for nursery, as well as an outdoor classroom, orchard and planting to attract wildlife with bug hotels around the school grounds.
Chair of Moray Council’s children & young people’s services committee, councillor Sonya Warren, said, “With the significant development in the area, it’s vital that we have a modern learning environment to support our pupils and take its place in the community. After a tough year for learners, to come back to new classrooms, in a new purpose-built school, will be such a boost.”
Headteacher Fiona Stevenson added, “We’re thrilled to be in our new school. It’s been a meaningful experience for the pupils to watch their new school being built, and I’m looking forward to the return of all our learners so we can enjoy the fantastic space and facilities here at Linkwood.”
Ewen Fowlie, hub North Scotland project director for the school development, said, “It is great to see Linkwood in use, even on a reduced scale, and playing its part in the community in the current restrictions. It is a fabulous building and when things return to normal, it will play a major role in south Elgin life for generations to come.”
