Ground-breaking start for new school

THE ground for the new Pumpherston and Uphall Station Community Primary School has been broken by Skills Minister Keith Brown.

The school, near Livingston, is the first of those funded through the 1.25 billion Scotland's Schools for the Future programme to get under way.

Mr Brown said: "This is a significant milestone in work to improve Scotland's school estate and comes just a day after news that a record number of school pupils are now in good school accommodation.

"The Scottish Government is providing 800 million of investment which will see 55 new schools built the length and breadth of the country through the Scottish Futures Trust."

Leader of West Lothian Council, Peter Johnston, added: "The school will serve as a new community 'hub' by integrating modern facilities such as a new library, a multi-purpose hall and PE facilities which the whole community can use.

"The location will provide a natural park setting for the new school as well as creating opportunities for integrating outdoor learning."