Replacing both the existing Alford Primary School and Alford Academy, work on the new campus officially got underway in June last year and followed advance works in October 2013 that saw an access road created for construction and initial ground works carried out.

With construction work on the facility now complete, it will officially welcome its first pupils at the start of the new term in October.

The school on the village’s Greystone Road, which will cater for pupils in early years, primary and secondary education, has been delivered for Aberdeenshire Council by hub North Scotland. Main contractor for the build was Morrison Construction, part of Galliford Try plc.

Alongside classroom provision, the complex will also comprise of a theatre, sports hall and dance studio, with all-weather and grass playing fields located outside.

Supporting the wider community will be a swimming pool, community library and accommodation for Aberdeenshire Council’s community learning and development team.

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee, Councillor David Aitchison, said: “Alford’s campus is another shining example of Aberdeenshire Council’s commitment to enhancing the facilities for residents across the area.

“Huge investment has taken place in recent years and it is good to see projects reaching completion and bringing benefits to the community economically as well as the wider aspect of wellbeing.

“I encourage people to come and see for themselves all that there is on offer from sports facilities to community learning.”

Angus Macfarlane, chief executive of hub North Scotland, said: “hub North Scotland’s role is to deliver first class community facilities throughout the territory we operate within and we have fulfilled our goal of doing so with the new Alford Community Campus.

“Working closely with Aberdeenshire Council, main contractor Morrison Construction and other key stakeholders, we have created a modern learning environment that will not only benefit the pupils who use it daily but also the wider Alford and Aberdeenshire community.

“The new campus will without a doubt be a real focal point for the village, serving generations of pupils and individuals for years to come. We’re proud to have been a part of this project and look forward to officially handing the facility over to Aberdeenshire Council in the coming weeks.”

Jim Hanna, project director at Morrison Construction, added: “We are delighted to be able to continue our relationship with Aberdeenshire Council and hub North Scotland, and have successfully together completed the construction of the new Alford Community Campus.

“Working with our partners and suppliers, the Campus is finished ahead of the coming academic term and, most importantly, we are all looking forward to welcoming students to these fantastic facilities. We are immensely proud to have been involved in bringing this fantastic new resource to fruition for the local community.”