19 December 2017

Uryside Primary School is officially open

Christmas came early for pupils in Inverurie as the Provost of Aberdeenshire officially opened Uryside School on Friday, December 15.

The new primary, which cost more than £10million, replaces Inverurie Market Place School. Uryside School, in Peregrine Drive, boasts 20 classrooms and can accommodate 540 pupils. There is also a nursery for 50 children with capacity for 50 during a morning session and a further 50 in the afternoon. There is also a tarred multi-use games area and a small grass pitch for outdoor activities such as football and rounders.

Guests were welcomed by Head Teacher Katie Budge. Cllr Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chair, introduced proceedings by giving a short speech. Aberdeenshire Provost, Cllr Bill Howatson, then said a few words before officially opening the new school.

In between guests were entertained by performances from pupils as they sung ‘We Are Here, We’re Here’, and “We Are so Proud of our New School’. Maria Walker, Director of Education and Children’s Services, formally drew the event to a close before guests embarked on tours of the new school.

Provost Howatson said: “I was proud to officially open Uryside School during this special ceremony. I must say that the new building offers first class facilities and this is bound to be a real inspiration for staff and pupils alike. The council is committed to providing the best possible education to every child and young person in Aberdeenshire and new schools such as this certainly helps meet this aim.”

Cllr Owen said: “Uryside School is now officially open and to be part of the ceremony was truly remarkable. I hope it plays as great role in the history of Inverurie as Market Place School, which was opened in 1863. I am sure both pupils and teachers alike will enjoy the first-class facilities that this multi-million pound school offers.”
 
Vice Committee chair, Cllr Mark Findlater, said: “I am thrilled to bits for the children, parents and teachers in Inverurie because this is a really fantastic state-of-the-art building. The classrooms, library, and building design is bound to put a smile on the faces of all the youngsters. Our teachers will also find the new building a really great place to work too. Well done to all involved! What a fantastic early Christmas gift for the children, teachers and parents!”

There are currently 152 primary schools operated by Aberdeenshire Council, 85 of which have a nursery unit. These schools serve over 20,000 pupils.

You can view a video about the official opening of Uryside School by clicking on the link bit.ly/2kNNkgj.