St Bernadette's

I got to visit a school that's under construction today. It's a denominational (Catholic) primary school near Falkirk that's being built to relieve the pressure on two nearby schools. All of the pupils currently travel by bus, but now a lot of them will be able to walk once this school opens.

It's the first time I've seen the building - which should be finished in 6 weeks ready to fit out for the opening in August. It's a stunning building. The architect was showing us around and (justifiably) proud of the build so far. It will be the first of a new generation of schools partly funded by the Scottish Government, so I fully expect it to become a photo opportunity for politicians and an exemplar building before long. How exciting must it be for the first pupils coming in this august. Hopefully it'll be up for the next 50 years or more.

The guys working in the photo were the only ones left on site this Friday afternoon. They're from Hungary and come over in teams to apply the (colourful) render which extends inside and out.

There was some local opposition to the new school as it's being built on an area of open space. As a result, the Council building it initially refused itself planning permission.. but eventually after agreeing to build it in 2004, it's eventually nearly ready for a 2012 opening! I can't wait to see it finished and full of smiling kids...