Work on a new £7.3million Aberdeenshire school has been delayed for the second time.
Construction of the new Drumoak Primary will not be finished until February 2016.
The building was first scheduled to open its doors in May this year, however initial delays had led to an August target.
Issues around the school’s design and access to the site has now led to a second setback.
Aberdeenshire Council’s head of property, Allan Whyte, said construction firm Robertson Eastern was doing everything in its power to get finished before the February date.
He said: “Whilst it is evident that the building will be a significant asset to Drumoak, there have been some delays to the construction of the school due to design and site access issues.
“Completion of construction is expected in February 2016, however, the contractor is confident that an earlier completion date can be achieved, allowing for occupation of the building immediately after the February mid-term break.”
The current Drumoak Primary is over-capacity and served by several portacabins, and locals have been calling for a replacement for years.
Drumoak councillor Graeme Clark said he was disappointed children would have to face another winter at the old school.
He said: “We have waited so long for the school. Parents have waited many, many years and were desperate to get a school similar to Lairhillock Primary.
“We wouldn’t want anything to be an obstacle now. I have spoken to two people who were at the school when it was portacabins and now their kids are there and the portacabins are still there, but the school has coped.”
Drumoak community councillor Maxine Smith said the finished building – which will have capacity for 145 pupils, 30 nursery places, a badminton court, sports hall and all-weather pitch – would be worth the wait.
Mrs Smith added: “If it means it takes a bit longer – that is how it goes. Robertson are keeping the village informed.
“It is frustrating it has been delayed but we are really not getting any negative feedback from the parents.
“If I was a parent I would be planning for that next academic year of 2016, but that is just a personal view.”