Blair Dingwall
Construction work on a £13million Aberdeenshire primary in one of the region’s fastest growing towns could soon get underway.
Aberdeenshire Council officials have resolved several planning hurdles which will pave the way for work to build Portlethen’s Hillside Primary School.
The building, near Causey Mount Road, will have space for 365 pupils and 62 members of staff.
The 13-classroom school will also include three football pitches, a nursery, nature garden and space for 75 cars.
As part of the freshly ironed-out deal, walkways, cycle links and an all-weather sports pitch will be built before the school opens.
Last night, local councillor Ian Mollison said he was pleased work would soon be starting.
He said: “It’s been a torturous road to get here but I’m delighted work can now start and hopefully we will have pupils occupying the school a year in January.
“But the time for waiting about has now passed and work really needs to start.
“The planning department has to operate completely independent from the rest of the local authority.
“It’s a very strict procedure. I hope the weather is kind so spades can finally now be put in the ground.”
Work is expected to be completed by November 2016 so the school can open its doors in 2017.