02 September 2016

Provost of Aberdeenshire opens new Drumoak School

The Provost of Aberdeenshire has today officially opened one of the brand new schools being built in the area, this time in the North Deeside village Drumoak.

The new, energy-efficient building is the result of an investment of over £7.3 million by Aberdeenshire Council and replaces the former school which was built in the 1800s.

As well as six classrooms, an area for pre-school teaching, activity areas and a library area, the school boasts a large, new gym hall which can be used by both pupils and the community.

The contractor, Robertson Group, started work on the project in May 2014, with pupils walking through the doors of the new school in February 2016.

As part of the official opening which opened with performances from the pupils, Provost Hamish Vernal unveiled a special plaque at the school.

Provost Vernal said: “This brand new school replaces the former primary building which was from the Victorian era and was no longer suitable for our young people to be educated in.

“The local community is also benefitting from the new library area and sports hall and nursery pupils have the chance to learn and play in close proximity to their primary peers thanks to pre-school provision, which the former school did not have.”

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education, Learning and Leisure Committee, Cllr Alison Evison, said: “The new Drumoak Primary School is just one example in a series of recent investments by the council in Aberdeenshire’s school estate.

“Our aim is to make sure our young people can achieve the best they can in the best surroundings and I’m sure pupils, staff and parents will join me in thanking everyone involve in getting this school off the ground.”

Head Teacher at the school, Paul Wilson, said: “The community has a great resource for many years to come. I know our children enjoy learning here and that the staff have found the environment stimulating.

“There are so many new possibilities for our pupils and it is a wonderful change of environment for everyone.”

Regional Managing Director of Robertson Eastern, Keith Taylor, said: “It was a pleasure to work on the development at Drumoak, bringing the architects’ drawings to life.

“We have a strong track record of delivering new school premises and the workmanship of the team is apparent for all to see.

“We have delivered a modern teaching space, in a wonderful setting, which provides a positive classroom environment and will make a meaning difference to the pupils’ learning experience.

“We know this pace will be utilised and appreciated by the whole community and is a big step up from their old premises.”