A BRAND new school campus is set to be built in Faifley, the Scottish Government has revealed.

The new facility is part of an £800 million investment in the construction or refurbishment of 25 schools and campuses across Scotland.

Edinbarnet Primary, St Joseph's Primary and the Auchnacraig early learning and childcare centre will all be replaced by the new campus.

The Post understands that no final decision has yet been made on where the new campus will be located.

However, a 'prior information notice', published on the Public Contracts Scotland website, states: "The new Faifley Campus will be located in one of the three potential existing sites, Skypoint, Edinbarnet Primary or St Joseph's Primary."

That notice also says the new campus will have room for a maximum 539 primary age pupils, an early learning facility with space for up to 183 children, and the capacity for up to 36 pupils with additional support needs, as well as a 3G sports/multi-use area, community facilities and a library.

There is no indication yet of how long it might take before the new facility is built and pupils can move in.

Councillor Karen Conaghan, West Dunbartonshire Council's convener of educational services, said: “This is fantastic news for the people of Faifley who will see their children move from old buildings in to modern, purpose-built facilities.

"This will not only benefit current pupils but many generations to come.

"The share of the Scottish Government funding along with the contribution from the council means we can start to make plans for this wonderful new campus and I am very proud and pleased to share with news with you today.”

Councillor Ian Dickson, the authority's vice-convener of educational services, added: “We are committed to ensuring all our schools and early learning centres are modern, high quality buildings and this funding will ensure we achieve both in Faifley.

"I am sure this will be welcomed by the families in the three education facilities that will go on to become a new campus that we can all be very proud of.”

The council now plans to hold an engagement event will be held early next year where parent council members, parents/carers, and community groups will be able to find out more information on the project.

The £800 million being spent on new or refurbished schools in 18 council areas across Scotland is a combination of government funding and local authority contributions to phase 2 of the Learning Estate Investment Programme.

Gil Paterson, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, said: “The plans to build a Faifley Campus will be of great benefit to young people in Faifley and I am delighted the Scottish Government is providing a further boost to the project.

“Not only will the project improve education in the area, but it will be welcome good news to the construction industry which has had some tough times throughout the pandemic. The work will support jobs in the area and provide stability for the sector.

“This is a very welcome announcement, the school estate without doubt is getting a bit tired and this will be a real boost, not just to children’s education but for the whole Faifley community.

“I am very much looking forward to seeing the finished article when Faifley Campus is built as the Scottish Government has a fantastic track-record in providing state-of-the-art facilities that are modern, low-carbon and ready for the digital age.”

Education secretary and Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “I am determined that our pupils have access to high-quality, up-to-date facilities that parents, staff and children can be proud of.

“This next phase builds on our commitment and proven track record in replacing schools in the poorest condition so that more children or young people can be educated in high quality buildings and ensure equity of provision.

“Scotland’s construction industry has worked incredibly hard to deal with the many challenges presented by the Covid pandemic.

"This funding will help the sector, sustaining many jobs and providing a welcome boost to communities across the country.

“Many of the projects will include wider community facilities and integration as part of the new school build or refurbishment.

"These facilities are so much more than just a school where children are educated, they are the centre piece of communities with links to the wider learning estate such as further education facilities and community libraries.”

The Scottish Government says it will pay for ongoing maintenance of the new facilities through an "outcomes based funding model".

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