Day: November 15, 2024

£10 million project confirmed to modernise Edinburgh primary school

£10 million project confirmed to modernise Edinburgh primary school

Brunstane Primary School in Edinburgh is to benefit from a £10 million investment to retrofit its campus and become one of the greenest schools in the capital.

GRAHAM has been appointed as lead contractor by City of Edinburgh Council and commenced works in October 2024, with completion expected in winter 2025.

Consisting of a three-storey tower with 12 classrooms and a single storey southern block with eight classrooms, an administration office, amenity space and infant block, improvements will enable the building to be carbon neutral in operation.

This includes much-needed repair works, new cladding on the external walls and roof, replacement of existing windows and curtain walling, and floor finishes and redecoration across the full building. Accessibility to the building will also be improved with the removal of existing steps and the introduction of new ramps to certain areas around the school.

An air source heat pump and electric heating system will replace the existing gas network, whilst installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof of the tower block will boost the school’s sustainability credentials. Importantly, this aligns with the City of Edinburgh Council’s ambition to become a net zero city by 2030.

Serving the communities of Brunstane and Portobello, the primary school has a current roll of 263 and provides early learning and childcare for up to 96 children.  The school will remain operational throughout the construction period, with temporary classrooms installed on site, to ensure education is uninterrupted.

Gary Holmes, regional managing director at GRAHAM Building North, said: “The significant investment made by City of Edinburgh Council to modernise Brunstane Primary School will create a vibrant and inspiring education centre.

“GRAHAM has a proven track record of delivering best-in-class education facilities across Scotland and we’re proud to play a role in helping shape Edinburgh’s next generation of school environments which prioritise accessibility and sustainability.”

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Councill, said: “We have over 100 schools supporting thousands of pupils and we’re making every effort to make sure they are as welcoming, accessible, and sustainable as possible.

“Our £10 million investment in Brunstane Primary is a perfect example of this work, with energy efficiency improvements and repairs planned for the whole building.

“We have ambitious net zero aims as a city and this extends to upgrades to our schools, many of which are aging. I’m excited to see the difference this retrofitting roll out will make.”

PIC: Artist impression of completed Brunstane Primary School, courtesy of Architype

All women lineup sweeps the board at the Scotland’s annual Cllr Awards

EDINBURGH LEAVES CITY CHAMBERS EVENT EMPTY-HANDED

The winners of the only national awards to celebrate the vital work of councillors across Scotland were revealed last night at the 2024 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards.

Winners were announced at a ceremony at Edinburgh’s City Chambers, showcasing the best of local government.

Top prize of the evening, Leader of the Year, went to Cllr Emma Macdonald, Leader of Shetland Islands Council.

Cllr Annette Christie of Glasgow City Council was this year’s Innovator of the Year and Cllr Katie Pragnell from East Renfrewshire Council walked away with Young Councillor of the Year. Another East Renfrewshire councillor, Cllr Betty Cunningham was crowned Lifetime Legend and the coveted Community Champion award went to Glasgow City Council’s Cllr Elaine McSporran.

The five categories reflect the varied contributions made by a wide range of councillors, and winners were chosen from more than 100 nominations. All too often the work of councillors can go unrecognised and the purpose of the Cllr Awards is to champion what councillors do for their local communities. 

Winners were chosen by a judging panel comprised of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These important Awards – a staple in the local government calendar –  are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Read more about the winners here.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said: “Councillors across Scotland do incredible work day in and day out to support their communities, make local areas better places to live, and ensure the voices of residents are heard across council decision making.

“At LGIU, we are determined to celebrate these remarkable achievements, which genuinely improve residents’ lives and the well-being of our communities. I want to congratulate all of our very worthy Cllr Awards winners this evening.

“Their dedication and service represent the very best of local government.”  

Kelly Watson, Head of Public Sector Relationships, CCLA said: “Local councillors are at the heart of communities and nights like this are an opportunity to showcase the contributions and real world impact made by those unsung heroes striving for a better world. The work undertaken by councillors positively impacts people’s lives in countless ways. 

“As councils are facing unprecedented challenging times, these Awards remind us of how important and vital the work of local councillors and councils is.”