New-look Lairdsland Primary School looks likely to be first class

The school will be built next to the Forth and Clyde Canal at Southbank Marina, in Kirkintilloch.

East Dunbartonshire Council has selected a preferred design for the new building - and it looks impressive.

The council says the new school will bring a number of additional educational benefits, including activity spaces such as reading corners and quiet play areas. There will also be wireless-enabled access to computing and technology facilities.

The dining hall and toilets will be in the main building and there will also be an outdoor classroom and astro-turf area.

It is estimated the new school will cost around £5million and could be built by 2014.

It will replace the current building, which opened in 1875.

Grace Irvine, head of assets and property services said: “We have selected a preferred design for the building and final negotiations are now underway to secure the services of the architects to take the project forward through to final design and construction.”

Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP Fiona McLeod said: “I am delighted the new Lairdsland Primary School is making fast progress and can’t wait for ground to be broken and building work to begin.

“The Scottish Government created Scottish Futures Trust to fund projects like these all over Scotland, and I am sure East Dunbartonshire Council will be applying for grants in the future since this project has gone so well so far.”

She added: “The marina area will be abuzz with activity, providing work for Scottish builders and first class facilities for local people. It’s such an exciting time for Kirkintilloch right now.”

PRIME LOCATION: An artist’s impression of the new Lairdsland Primary from the canal path.

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