It was a historic occasion in Argyll and Bute today (Wednesday) when secondary pupils from across Kintyre moved into the new Campbeltown Grammar School.

Welcomed to their new surroundings by two pipers, pupils were gathered in the multi-purpose sports hall where Acting Head Teacher Catherine Cameron greeted them.

“Wednesday 21 February is a historic day for Campbeltown Grammar school as we move into our new premises,” she said. “It is also the start of a new era of high expectations in which everyone associated with the school - parents, teachers, and partners - will work together to ensure that our children and young people aspire to achieve the best they can in school and to have success and fulfilment in their lives beyond school. 

“Campbeltown Grammar School has a proud tradition of community engagement that has shaped our open, friendly and caring ethos and we, in turn, are well supported by our community and partner agencies who help our young people to be well-rounded individuals who become helpful, engaged citizens of their own and other communities.

“By bringing the best of what we already are as a school and adding to this our ambition to maximise the potential of our wonderful new school facility to achieve the highest standards in teaching, learning and attainment, we can make Campbeltown Grammar the excellent school that our young people and our community deserve.”

The £26 million, three-storey school has capacity to cater for up to 500 pupils and will provide young people with a modern learning environment fit for the 21st century. Outside, it will also feature a 3G sports pitch, music pavilion and large car park on the site of the existing 1960s school buildings, once they are demolished.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly said: “Today is a very special day for the young people of Kintyre. This wonderful new school will enable pupils to realise their full potential and enjoy a learning experience where they can succeed.

“Our vision is that together we will realise ambition, excellence and equality for all, and We want to equip our young people to secure and sustain positive destinations and achieve success in life - this wonderful new state-of-the-art facility will help us to do that and will pupils for years to come.

“I wish all the staff and pupils every success in the new school.”

Michael Padzinski, Chief Executive, hub North Scotland: “This fantastic and much needed new school is testament to the effective collaboration and positive working partnership between Argyll and Bute Council, hub North Scotland and our supply chain. Hub North Scotland looks forward to the continued Partnership with Argyll and Bute Council, and to seeing the benefits that this long term partnership will deliver.”

Morrison Construction Project Director Jeff Hedley, said: “It was wonderful to see pupils and teachers begin to move into their new school. Works will now progress to the next phase of the project, demolishing the old school.

‘‘Campbeltown Grammar School is the second of four education facilities we will deliver for Argyll and Bute Council and hub North Scotland. Last November pupils and teachers moved into Kirn Primary School, Oban High School is the next facility due to be completed this spring and excellent progress is being made on the site of Dunoon Primary School.’’