Campus openings mark end of £136m schools project
The construction phase of Perth and Kinross Council's £136 million Investment in Learning Programme has officially come to a close.
John Swinney unveiling the plaque for the official opening of the North Inch Campus.
- By Sandra Gray
- Published in the Courier : 21.12.11
- Published online : 21.12.11 @ 04.22pm
The end of the local authority's project was marked during opening ceremonies at the North Inch Community Campus and the St John's RC Academy, which brings together St Columba's High and St John's Primary on one site.
Six community campuses have now been created in Perth and Kinross. Work on the secondary school and community facilities at the North Inch campus was completed last spring, while the nursery and primary school provision was only handed over at the end of October.
Council leader, Councillor Ian Miller said: ''The completion of this final part of the construction programme signifies the end of a long process for this council and the beginning of new opportunities for the people of Perth.
''Our community campuses represent the biggest single investment made by Perth and Kinross Council and I am proud of the resources, benefits and opportunities they are bringing to young people and communities across Perthshire.
''These fantastic facilities owe much to the efforts of all those who have been involved through the planning and construction phases of the programme.
''I would like to thank all those involved to date, including our PPP partners Axiom and their subcontractors Laing O'Rourke and Mitie.
''I think we would all acknowledge that the campuses have met all our expectations so far and no doubt will become valuable assets for both the schools that function from them and Perth and Kinross Council's community as a whole.''
Tuesday's official opening ceremony at the North Inch Community Campus was led by MSP for Perthshire North, John Swinney, while a second opening and dedication took place at St John's RC Academy, led by Cardinal Keith O'Brien, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh.
Among the facilities on offer to pupils and members of the local area are a library with free wi-fi and improved sports and recreational facilities.
This has helped the school to receive a coveted accolade, as it was announced joint winners with Perth Grammar School in the School Sports category of the Sunday Mail and SportsScotland Scottish Sports Awards.
They were recognised for the formation of the Sports Comprehensive, which works alongside the council's education service to ensure physical activity is central to the curriculum during class time, lunchtime and after school clubs.
The initiative helps to incorporate the relevant aspects of sport in physics, chemistry, history and biology in a bid to improve literacy, numeracy and health.
Welcoming the work carried out by both schools was Provost John Hulbert, who said: ''Given the legislation that is just beginning its passage through the Scottish Parliament, I think it would be remiss for me not to say a few words about the work that is being done here in Perth to combat sectarianism.
''I do not believe for one moment that what is taught in our Roman Catholic, or our non-denominational schools, contributes to the controversial scenes that we have all witnessed.
''I know that all our schools teach toleration and respect and that this has met with considerable success, with this project taking it further by bringing communities together.
''This co-operation across the denominational divide is something we are keen to encourage, without compromising the integrity of each school's ethos. Congratulations to Audrey May and John Low, the head teachers of the two schools.''
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