30-01-2017

St Ninians Primary Officially Opened

Less than 18 months since the first sod was cut the new St Ninians Primary school has been officially opened. The school’s existing Victorian section has been retained and refurbished to provide a dedicated home for the nursery class, and a new two-storey building created to accommodate primary school pupils and staff. Now a wide, flexible ‘school street’ will allow break out from classrooms for small group learning while more flexible dining, social and PE spaces will provide better facilities for larger whole school events including assemblies and school shows. The £8.2 million development was funded jointly by Stirling Council and the national Scottish Schools for the Future programme, project managed by Hub East Central Scotland and built by Robertson Construction Central. Deputy Council Leader and Convenor of the Finance and Economy Committee, Councillor Neil Benny, had the privilege of officially opening the school: “I was delighted to officially open the new St Ninians Primary and help celebrate this exciting new chapter in the school’s history - the performances by the pupils today were truly fantastic. It may have been the opening of a new building, but a school is so much more - it is a tool to educate our young people and give them opportunities, and I hope the pupils and staff enjoy their new surroundings.” David Cairns, managing director, Robertson Central, said: “We are thrilled to see pupils and staff at St Ninian’s making use of their brand new building and I’m sure the facilities will serve them well over the years to come. Robertson Central was also the contractor on St Margaret’s Primary School and it has been an absolute delight to have been involved in two major educational projects for Stirling Council.” Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: "It is great to see the pupils and staff settled into the new school and making the most of its facilities, which have been completed to the highest standards to meet the long term needs of the community. Work is progressing well on the refurbishment of the original victorian building, which will become the nursery, as well as the reinstatement of outdoor playing areas.  It is the second school that we have successfully delivered for Stirling Council, creating another high quality learning environment at best value.” During the official opening ceremony Headteacher Carolann Morrow welcomed guests and spoke of how proud she was of the pupils. Each class then entertained guests with Scottish poems and songs, before Cllr Benny officially opened the school. Primary 7 pupils then gave guided tours of the new building. Education Convenor Alistair Berrill said: “January 2017 has been a momentous month for Stirling Council's Education Department - two school openings! We are absolutely committed to the successful education of our children, and this investment in our infrastructure proves it.” St Ninians is the latest in a round of recent projects Stirling Council has spearheaded to improve the school estate, including the recent opening of the new St Margaret’s Primary School and Cowie Nursery earlier this year.