Ardross Primary School - Refurbishment Of Old Community Hall

The new school accommodation at Ardross Primary School was formally opened today (Wednesday 2 November) and parents and guests enjoyed seeing for themselves the transformation of the old Ardross Community Hall into a bright and spacious building for the P1-P4 pupils to enjoy learning in.

Councillor Andy Anderson joined local resident Margaret Black, a volunteer worker for many years at the school, to officially open the building. They were watched by staff, pupils past and present, parents and members of the Ardross Lunch Club. After the ribbon was cut guests enjoyed some entertainment by the pupils and a tour of the new facilities.

Councillor Andy Anderson said: "Ardross is an expanding community and this new accommodation will provide much needed space. The new class is bright and airy and provides a perfect learning environment for the young pupils. The old hall was for many years the focal point of the community and had an important place in the history of Ardross. I am glad that we have been able to refurbish the building so once more it will play a pivotal role with excellent facilities and learning opportunities fit for the 21st century."

The refurbishment of the old hall, which is adjacent to the school created a new large classroom for the P1-P4 pupils with new toilets, a medical room, music room, cloakroom area, walk-in storage cupboards and staff facilities. The work was sponsored and funded through The Highland Council’s Education Culture and Sport Service and project managed by the Council’s ‘in house’ Property and Architectural Service. The design was undertaken by White and McGinn Architects and Morrison Construction were the main contractor for the works. The total cost of the project, which also included replacement windows to part of the main building was £170,000.

Morag Foster, Head teacher said: "The whole community have been very supportive of this development and I am pleased so many former parents were able to come along today and admire our new accommodation. The old hall has been completely transformed and I don’t think that anyone going into the building now would recognise it for what it once was. P1 through P4 are thrilled to be using the building and are excited about the spaces they have in the classroom, the space to hang their coats and the new toilets. The P5-P7 pupils are also please as they have moved into the vacated classroom and their previous room has been converted into a school library and an office."

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