Army’s arrival means new friendships at Leuchars Primary School

New friendships are being forged at a Fife school that has seen its roll almost double.

Leuchars Primary School which lost pupils with the departure of the RAF has welcomed around 100 new children with the arrival of the army at Leuchars Station.

It also has extra staff, including four teachers from the services’ schools in Fallingbostel, Germany, where the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards were based.

Head teacher Lucy Jess said: “There is a really lovely atmosphere. Over the last couple of years we have done a lot of work to promote that good atmosphere.”

As well as visiting Fallingbostel to meet families and enrol pupils, staff spoke regularly to youngsters about “our friends” coming from Germany.

Mrs Jess said: “They have been very excited and very warm and welcoming.

“A lot of them had already met in the playpark, as the families arrived in July and made friends.

“They have been very proud to show the school off to the new pupils.”

An open day was held for parents before term started and Active Schools taster sessions were held to introduce the new children to sporting opportunities available in the area.