Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, has today revealed that two replacement schools will be constructed in Perth as a result of funding from Phase 2 of the Learning Estate Investment Plan (LEIP).
The LEIP, which is comprised of Scottish Government funding alongside local authority contributions, will deliver digitally-enabled, low-carbon schools and campuses, ensuring they are inclusive and welcoming places that meet the needs of the whole community.
In Perth, it will see the construction of a new-build Perth High School and the construction of North Perth Primary School, which will serve as a replacement for Balhousie Primary and North Muirton Primary.
Commenting, Mr Swinney said:
“The Scottish Government recognises the importance of education, and of making sure that our children are able to learn in high-quality, up-to-date facilities. To that end, I am delighted that the Scottish Government’s massive funding boost will allow Perth and Kinross Council to invest in the construction of two energy-efficient, digitally-enabled and above all world-class schools.
“Families in Perth will be justifiably delighted by this news, and will be looking forward to the transformative impact that the new school buildings will have on the lives and prospects of their children.
“This announcement is further evidence of the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring that pupils across Perthshire and beyond are given the best possible chance to succeed in life.
“I look forward to working with key stakeholders in the months and years ahead to bring these projects to fruition, and to seeing the undoubted benefits that these replacement schools will bring to Perth.”
The £1 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme - developed in conjunction with COSLA - was launched in November 2018 and the first phase of 11 projects announced in September 2019.
The LEIP follows on from the successful Scotland’s Schools for the Future (SSF) Programme which to date has delivered 116 new or refurbished learning facilities, with the final project in the programme due to open in April 2021. The SSF programme will have benefitted approximately 78,000 pupils (in capacity terms) who will now learn in fit for purpose, good or satisfactory condition schools.
