Vassals of the Muir: Minister opens new Boroughmuir

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “In the last ten years this Government has massively improved the school estate right across Scotland.  Since 2007, 751 school building projects have been completed and we have invested £1.8 billion as part of the Schools for the Future building programme. 

“Our infrastructure investment has ensured that teachers are able to teach their pupils in dynamic, high tech facilities, which is vital if we are to meet the future learning needs of our young people.

“I was delighted to be at the official opening of Boroughmuir High School which was given £17.2m towards the construction of the school in order to help deliver this fantastic new development here in Edinburgh. The excellent partnership working with the City of Edinburgh Council, the Scottish Government and Scottish Futures Trust has enabled pupils attending Boroughmuir to be transferred into state-of-the-art accommodation.”

Boroughmuir was one of three new schools officially opened by Holyrood ministers yesterday (see earlier post).

The new Boroughmuir opened its doors to pupils in February this year and features a wide range of enhanced facilities for pupils and staff. In addition to the extra classrooms and science laboratories there are improved social spaces for pupils plus new catering facilities. Sports provision has increased from two small PE halls to five new areas including the first rooftop multi use games area (MUGA) in the country, a fitness suite and dance studio.

The new high school, which won Building of the Year in the Edinburgh Architectural Association Awards 2018, has received Scottish Government funding through the ‘Scotland’s Schools for the Future’ programme. It was designed by Allan Murray Architects Ltd and built by O’Hare & McGovern.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “This is the third new high school we have opened in as many years and demonstrates the Council’s commitment to investing in our children’s education with support from the Scottish Government’s Schools for the Future programme.

“There have been challenges along the way and I would like to thank the school staff, pupils and parents for their patience – I am sure everyone will agree the school has been well worth the wait.

“I know the school will go from strength to strength in the future and today marks an important milestone for future generations.”

Deputy Leader Cllr Cammy Day added: “As a former Education Convener I am proud of our innovative school design strategy that puts our pupils at the heart of the process. By engaging with our teachers and pupils from the start we have been able to create an educational brief and vision for this school that truly delivers a unique building that meets the needs of all its pupils.

“Walking round the school today it is clear the building is having a positive impact on teaching and learning and allows the school to make the best use of new technology to equip them for their future careers.

“It is also important to recognise that this school is going to be a huge community asset and outside school hours I am sure the sports facilities, including Scotland’s first rooftop MUGA, will be very popular.”

Head Teacher David Dempster said: “This is a truly historic and exciting day for the school and one that all our staff and pupils wanted to be part of.

“Having this incredible new building, which is of course now Edinburgh’s Building of the Year, with its central atrium space that can accommodate over 1200 people in the same place at the same time gave us the opportunity to have everyone part of the ceremony which has made this one of the most inclusive school opening ceremonies ever!

“Along with our invited guests, pipe band and talented musicians as well as all 1200 pupils, staff and guests giving a rendition of our school song ‘Vassals of the Muir’ it is a day we will all remember for a very long time to come.”