MORRISON Construction has been appointed by Midlothian Council to refurbish and extend Penicuik High School.
The appointment marks the move from several years of planning and design into the construction phase of the project.
The £55.3 million project, supported by funding from the Scottish Government, will see the historic 1930s school building refurbished while a new, modern extension is built to replace the existing 1960s block.
With work to prepare the site underway, the main building programme starts in summer 2026. During this phase, the new school building will be constructed while the 1930s building is carefully refurbished. The new building is expected to be ready for pupils and staff to move into by spring 2028, the local authority said.
Once the new school is open, the final phase of the project will begin. This will include demolishing the old 1960s block and improving the surrounding grounds with new landscaping.
The new three-storey extension will feature a large ‘central heart’ space built around the original assembly hall and courtyard areas. Enclosing the courtyards will create bright indoor social spaces for dining, sports, and events, the council explained.
When complete, theschool will have space for up to 945 pupils – including dedicated provision for 24 young people with additional support needs. The improved facilities will also benefit the wider community.
Midlothian Council cabinet member for education, Ellen Scott, said, “Appointing the main contractor is a major step forward for the Penicuik High School project and for the whole community. It’s exciting to see the project moving into the construction phase and to watch the new school begin to take shape.”
David Ewing, MD of Morrison Construction Building Central, commented, “We are delighted to be working Midlothian Council on this important project to create a high-quality educational facility for the community of Penicuik. Morrison Construction’s strong track record in combining new-build with sympathetic and sustainable refurbishment of existing buildings, means we are well-placed to realise the council’s vision, and we look forward to working with them and all the other stakeholders involved to deliver for the staff and students.”
