Moray Council's brand new Elgin High School opens its doors to students

Elgin’s new High School opened its doors to delighted pupils and staff today.

The £30million high-tech campus replaces the existing building, and includes a fitness complex, auditorium, library and state-of-the-art catering facilities.

The 600 pupils arrived at the school in by year group phases, and were addressed by head teacher Hugh McCulloch.

Speaking as the first wave of pupils entered the building, he said: “The look on the pupils’ faces has been absolutely fantastic this morning; they are completely and utterly amazed and spellbound by the fact that this is now their new school.

“The outstanding facilities on offer – the performance areas, the sports facilities, the teaching and learning environments are truly outstanding are quite frankly second to none, not just within the authority, but across the nation.

“This is a very proud day for the fantastic staff here, the pupils and me.”

After he welcomed them to their new school, senior pupils took groups around the school to familiarise them with the layout and facilities. The school bristles with new technology, including equipment for senior students to take advantage of distance learning and smart boards in each classroom.

Project staff at Moray Council have been working closely with contractors Balfour Beatty and the procurement body, Hub North Scotland, for the duration of the build. The school was funded by the Scottish Futures Trust and Moray Council.

What remains now is the demolition of the old school building, which will provide space for an all-weather pitch.

Moray Council’s chair of the Children and Young People’s Committee, Cllr Tim Eagle, said:

“This is truly a very welcome milestone for Elgin High pupils and staff.

“I know that everyone has worked hard to get the school ready for today - including all over the half-term holiday – and by the look on the young people’s faces it has been worth it. I congratulate our staff across all departments for what they’ve achieved.”

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.