Ellon Councilors Comment on Academy Turf-Cutting

SNP councillors Richard Thomson and Rob Merson have commented following the turf-cutting ceremony for the new academy at Ellon.

Work started on the £36 million project which forms part of the Scottish Government’s £1.25 billion Scotland’s Schools for the Future building programme. The new building is receiving £25 million coming directly from the Scottish Government.

Ellon & District councillor Richard Thomson said:

"It promises to be a magnificent building. Personally, I'm delighted that the project has secured such significant support from the Scottish Government, and that Ellon will soon have an Academy building commensurate with the aspirations of the pupils and staff within it."

Chair of Formartine Area Committee, Cllr Rob Merson, remarked:

“It does not seem so very long ago that I attended a meeting with fellow councillors, senior school staff and members of the Parent Council, to discuss with local MSP Alex Salmond how this project might be progressed with funding from the Scottish Government. To arrive at the turf-cutting ceremony from such a standing start is commendable for all concerned.

“Ellon Academy has had a consistent track record of excellence and I am delighted that it will soon have a state-of-the-art facility which will provide an optimum environment to build on that proud record.”

Speaking at Ellon Academy, Minister for Learning, Science & Scotland’s Languages Alasdair Allan MSP who said:

“Ellon Academy is a large rural, comprehensive secondary school with a long tradition of excellence and a strong relationship with the local community. Today marks an exciting development for both the school, its pupils and the wider community – by 2015 the school building will have been replaced with a state of the art facility aimed at providing pupils with the best possible environment for learning.

“This is one of 67 schools being replaced or refurbished as part of the £1.25 billion Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme, and one of three in Aberdeenshire – work at Mearns Academy is already underway and I expect to see progress at Alford Academy by the spring.

“By the time the Programme finishes the Scottish Government, together with local authorities, will have lifted over 46,000 pupils into top quality accommodation, helping ensure that our children and young people have the best possible chance of being ready for the global jobs market.”