Swinney opens Brechin Community Campus

John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, officially opened the spectacular new Brechin Community Campus at a special ceremony. Brechin Community Campus accommodates Brechin High School, ANGUSalive sport and leisure facilities and the council’s communities team. The campus approach provides the community with integrated education for young and old, community groups as well as sport and leisure facilities such as a swimming pool, climbing wall, fitness suite and gymnasiums. Facilities within the campus are fully accessible for people and pupils with additional support needs. Mr Swinney said: “This new campus will provide a fantastic environment with truly modern facilities which the whole community will enjoy for generations to come and I am proud the Scottish Government has supported its construction with a £15.6 million investment. “Such state of the art accommodation can inspire students, staff and parents and make a positive difference to learning outcomes which is why this Government remains committed to improving schools throughout the country. The £1.8 billion Schools for the Future programme will see the construction or refurbishment of 112 schools with a new project delivered in every local authority area, benefitting over 60,000 pupils by March 2020. As set out in yesterday’s budget we will provide £19 million capital funding to invest in the final year of this programme to reach more communities than ever before.” Councillor Iain Gaul said: “This is a modern, fit-for-purpose community campus delivering first-rate facilities and an outstanding learning environment for all ages. As a focal point for Brechin, the new campus provides the very best of modern facilities and is a campus that residents can be proud of. Today’s official opening demonstrates the Councils commitment to delivering unrivalled education facilities for the whole community.” ANGUSalive Chief Executive Kirsty Hunter said: “Brechin Community Campus is a flagship development and the community now has the opportunity to enjoy using the significantly enhanced local sport and leisure facilities it provides throughout the year. ANGUSalive, the culture, sport and leisure trust for Angus, is committed to changing lives by inspiring healthy, active and creative lifestyle choices. We will continue engage closely with the school and community to maximise the benefits of the campus for all.” The new facility was developed in partnership with the hub East Central Scotland, who led the successful delivery of the project. Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: “We worked closely with Angus Council and Robertson to complete the project ahead of schedule and on budget. The new campus provides a high quality facility that has been purpose built to meet the needs of the community. The construction programme created 25 work placements and 17 apprenticeships and almost half of the workforce were local employees.” The campus was developed as part of the Scotland’s Future Schools initiative and is part funded by Angus Council and the Scottish Government at a cost of £26.5 million. The campus opened its doors to pupils and the community in February 2016. Brechin High School is a six-year comprehensive secondary school, with a current roll of around 500 pupils and 50 teaching staff, serving the city of Brechin and the surrounding rural district. The school is working in partnership with local businesses to develop a construction centre as part of their approach to Developing the Young Workforce. The origins of the School can be traced back more than 500 years to 1429-30, with the formation of a Sang Schuil (Choir School) in Brechin Cathedral. The close links with Cathedral and city are an important and continuing feature of the school’s heritage.